Reef to produce Lucy Worsley Opera two-part series
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Editor
| 05 March 2017

BBC Two has commissioned Reef Television to produce a two-part series exploring the history of opera, presented by Lucy Worsley, historian and chief curator, Historic Royal Palaces.


Lucy Worsley’s Nights at the Opera comprises two one-hour films that explore several pivotal operas against the backdrop of the cities in which they were premiered.

Forming the centrepiece of a wider focus on opera and the role music plays in pivotal moments in history, the programmes coincide with the Victoria & Albert Museum’s new exhibition in collaboration with the Royal Opera House: Opera: Passion, Power & Politics. Sir Antonio Pappano, music director of the Royal Opera House, will also play a key role in the series, explaining the music from the operas featured.

“Lucy Worsley has become one of UK’s most popular storytellers”, said Jan Younghusband, commissioning editor, BBC Music & Events. “Along with Sir Antonio Pappano, we really couldn’t have a better team to celebrate and unpack the stories behind the origins of all the great opera tunes we love, and their context in wider history for a mainstream audience. We are delighted that this series marks an extension of the BBC's long-running relationship with the Royal Opera House, bringing the best of opera and ballet to television.”

“We’re delighted to be working for BBC Two and BBC Music again”, said Reef’s head of factual Ben Weston. “And also to be collaborating with the V&A and Royal Opera House in such a prestigious season of programming”.

Lucy Worsley’s Nights at the Opera was commissioned by Younghusband and Patrick Holland, BBC Two Channel Editor. It will be directed by acclaimed producer/director Guy Evans who made The Secrets of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony for BBC Two last year. The executive producers will be Weston and Elizabeth Hartford.