This two-act chamber opera, which features music by Britten and a libretto by Ronald Duncan, is based on the play, "Le Viol de Lucrece" by Andre Obey, and was first performed at Glyndebourne Opera House on July 12, 1946.

The Rape of Lucretia revolves around a bet made between three Roman officers, Collatinus, Junius, and Prince Tarquinius, while they are at war with Greece. The three men bet on which of their wives will be faithful. As it turns out, only Lucretia, the wife of Collatinus remains true to her man. In a jealous rage, Prince Tarquinius rides back to Rome and rapes Lucretia. Overcome by shame, Lucretia commits suicide.

Ronald Duncan's libretto frames the action with two Christian-era commentators, the Male and Female Choruses -- and the Christian theme of this opera is our inspiration for performing it in the intimate venue of the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Music Director : Brahm Goldhamer

Lucretia: Nina Scott-Stoddart
Tarquinius: Stephen King
Male Chorus: Lenard Whiting
Female Chorus: Alexa Wing
Junius: Ross Darlington
Collatinus: Charles Baxter
Bianca: Karen Olinyk
Lucia: Gisele Kulak

OpAnon gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Toronto Arts Council for this project.

More information about: Benjamin Britten