ENGLISH Touring Opera returns to Storyhouse in Chester for Spring 2020 with a trio of stunning new shows to entertain audiences – Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and the St John Passion by J.S Bach.

English Touring Opera (ETO) follow the success of their Silver Lake/Seraglio in Autumn 2019 by bringing together the great pillars of the baroque and classical periods – Bach, Handel and Mozart – taking the new tour to venues across the country.

The English Touring Opera shows will be particularly special for two Chester choirs, who will sing alongside the ETO performers – Chester Festival Chorus and Chester Cathedral Saturday Singing Club.

English Touring Opera will return to Storyhouse from Tuesday, April 7, to Thursday, April 9. Tickets are on sale, including a limited number of £5 tickets for aged 26 and under.

The company’s aim for this new season is to platform exciting new creative leaders; target new audiences to opera; and continue to improve access to its work.

As part of its commitment to collaborating with community choirs throughout the tour, the ETO will engage with more than 500 local singers nationally through a dedicated outreach programme. At Storyhouse, Chester Festival Chorus and Chester Cathedral Saturday Singing Club will perform alongside the ETO.

Chester Festival Chorus was formed in 1981 by Martin Merry, a founder of Chester Summer Music Festival and artistic director from its inception in 1978 until 1985. The group has established itself as one of the North West’s leading large-scale mixed-voice choirs. At the annual Chester Summer Music Festival, the choir performed major choral works from composer including Handel, Mozart, Britten, Poulenc, and Tavener. Music director is Ellie Slorach.

Chester Catherdral Saturday Singing Club perform at cathedral services throughout the year. Each term the singers learn popular songs and learn basic music theory, including good singing technique, posture, and breathing.

English Touring Opera’s resident period orchestra, the Old Street Band, will feature in all three shows on baroque and classical instruments, providing a rare opportunity to audiences across the country during its 44-date tour.

Storyhouse is encouraging music fans to experience a live show from English Touring Opera – Giulio Cesare, Così Fan Tutte, St John Passion – as the perfect introduction to opera.

Giulio Cesare will be performed on Tuesday, April 7, at 7.30pm.

Così Fan Tutte will be performed on Wednesday, April 8, at 7.30pm.

St John Passion will be performed on Thursday, April 9, at 7.30pm.

Tickets for English Touring Opera are on sale now priced from £20.50. Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee. There are a limited number of £5 tickets for aged 26 and under.