Opera lovers can once more indulge this year in the garden of the Museum van Loon. From 21-25 August, this venue will be hosting The Bear by Sir William Turner Walton (1902-1983). This opera tells the tale of the mourning widow Popova, who remains faithful to the memory of her husband Popov no matter how often her servant Luka reminds her of his infidelities and the debts he left for her to pay. One day, a certain Smirnov comes to call on Popova, swearing high and low that Popov owed him money. Tempers flare, and pistols are even drawn. But they are never fired, for in an instant the two adversaries fall in love, with Luka looking on in disbelief all the while.
This performance features soloists Martijn Cornet (baritone), Rosanne van Sandwijk (mezzo soprano), Jan Willem Baljet (baritone) and Jeroen Sarphati (piano). Martijn Cornet and Rosanne van Sandwijk were both nominees for the GrachtenfestivalPrijs in 2013.