We brought Mozart’s unfinished opera to UK audiences for the first time – and in its first-ever English-language performance.
In 1783, Mozart began The Goose of Cairo and then abandoned it, leaving behind an interesting fragment of comic opera. More than 200 years later, British composer Stephen Oliver completed the work, transforming it into a vivid and theatrically satisfying whole.
We gave the UK premiere of Mozart’s opera at Smith Square Hall in a semi-staged production. It formed part of our Mozart Explored: 1783 series which looked at the musical and personal influences shaping the composer during this pivotal year.
A glorious revival of the opera Mozart abandoned.
The Goose of Cairo tells the story of a Spanish Marquis who keeps his daughter locked away, promising her hand in marriage to whoever can present him with Cleopatra’s legendary golden goose. Her true love’s attempts to rescue her drive a fast-moving plot full of disguise, deception and ensemble brilliance.
The performance was conducted by David Parry, renowned for his commitment to rarely heard operatic repertoire. Parry also conducted the world premiere of Stephen Oliver’s completion at the Batignano Opera Festival in 1991.
