Secret rendezvous and Queens in disguise: Pegasus Opera stage Ethel Smyth's Fête galante and Philip Hagemann's The Dark Lady of the Sonnets

Ethel Smyth wrote six operas of which the best-known is The Wreckers though it is hardly common currency. But what about the others, after all she wrote three more after The Wreckers. The Boatswains Mate gets performed, partly because it is a smaller scale comedy though I have seen few productions using Smyth's full orchestration. Fête galante and Entente Cordiale both from the 1920s remain simply names on lists.

Fête galante was recorded by Odaline de la Martinez and Lontano on Retrospect Opera in 2019 [see my review] and the work certainly impressed. Now there is a chance to experience it live. Odaline de la Martinez will be conducting Pegasus Opera in a double bill at the Royal College of Music's Britten Theatre from 25 to 27 July 2025 featuring Smyth's Fête galante and The Dark Lady of the Sonnets by American composer, Philip Hagemann. The operas will be directed by Femi Elufowoju Jr.

Fête Galante, features a libretto by Smyth and Edward Shanks, based on Maurice Baring’s 1909 short story. Philip Hagemann's The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, to his own libretto is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1910 short story about William Shakespeare stumbling into an accidental meeting with Queen Elizabeth I.

Based in South London, Pegasus Opera provides opportunities for classical artists of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage and promotes opera amongst people of all ages in underserved and culturally diverse communities. Alison Buchanan who leads the organisation and features in this productions is the only Black female Artistic Director of an Opera Company in the UK and Europe. In 2023 and 2024 Pegasus performed to over 3000 people in opera productions, concerts and public events and delivered workshops to 1800 children and young people across the UK.

Full details from the company's website.