Since its launch in 2005, the Jerwood Chorus Development Scheme has helped nurture emerging operatic stars by providing them with individual performance opportunities.
For the 2009 Festival Julian Philips, Glyndebourne's Composer-in-Residence, collaborated with Edward Kemp, writer and Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, to develop a new chamber opera. The performance was directed by Frederic Wake-Walker and The Britten Sinfonia was conducted by Leo McFall.
Listen to the podcast about The Yellow Sofa
About The Yellow Sofa
Adapted from the novella by one of Portugal’s best loved writers, Eça de Quieros, The Yellow Sofa tells the story of Godofredo Alves, a small businessman who comes home from work one day to find his wife in the arms of his best friend and business partner. He determines at once to seek revenge. A tale of sex, a city and the seductive power of furniture.
Performances
The Yellow Sofa was performed by members of our dedicated chorus in the Jerwood Studio at Glyndebourne before four selected performances at the 2009 Festival
Synopsis of The Yellow Sofa
Godofredo Alves runs a small business in Lisbon in the last decades of the 19th century. His life is ordered and well-managed, its only inexplicable feature is that he once bought his wife, Ludovina, a yellow sofa.
One summer day, Godofredo’s business partner, Machado, leaves work early; he encourages Godofredo to do the same, go off to see a show, enjoy himself. After Machado has left, Godofredo realizes that he and Ludovina have forgotten their wedding anniversary. He races home and finds Ludovina and Machado in a compromising position upon the yellow sofa. Machado leaves, Godofredo seeks an explanation from Ludovina and when she cannot provide one, he packs her off to stay with her father.
Neto, Ludovina’s father, comes to see Godofredo. Neto negotiates a holiday by the seaside for himself, Ludovina and her sister Teresa until the affair blows over.
Meanwhile Godofredo, alone with the yellow sofa, plans how to get retribution for his wounded honour. He confronts Machado, insisting that one of them must die. Machado laughs off Godofredo’s plan.
Godofredo takes stock with the yellow sofa. He turns for support to his friends Carvalho and Medeiros. Neither are overly enthusiastic about Godofredo’s plan, but in the name of honour they agree to act as his seconds.
In a darkened room Godofredo waits as Carvalho and Medeiros discuss the situation with Machado’s second, Nunes Vidal. His torment grows.
Finally the seconds emerge with the solution.
One day after the summer is over, Godofredo meets Ludovina outside the opera house.
You may also be interested in these events:
Festival 2009 Study Days
Pre-performance Talks
Glyndebourne Youth Opera Pre-performance event