A Joyful Flashback: “I Want To Live” from Romeo And Juliet with Arcadian Opera

As I look back on my journey as a performer, there are moments that truly stand out, not just for their artistic merit but also for the wonderful memories they create. Today, I’m excited to share an excerpt from one such special moment — my performance of “I Want To Live” the English adaptation of Gounod’s “Je Veux Vivre” from the opera Roméo et Juliette. This production was staged by Arcadian Opera in October 2019, and I had the pleasure of bringing Juliette’s character to life in English, a beautiful adaptation that made the story accessible and relatable to our audience.

This production holds a very dear place in my heart. It was set in the majestic setting of Roxburgh Hall Theatre, Stowe School, Stowe, Buckinghamshire, a venue that added a stunning acoustic and visual backdrop to our performances. The entire cast and crew were incredible, bringing a fresh perspective to Gounod’s timeless masterpiece. Singing alongside the talented Gemma Morsley, who portrayed Juliette’s governess, Gertrude added an extra layer of depth and warmth to the scene. Her nurturing presence on stage was palpable, and our interactions brought a unique energy to the performance.

“I Want To Live” is such a joyous aria, full of youthful exuberance and dreams of the future, and it was an absolute delight to perform it in a language that brought the character even closer to me and the audience. There’s something genuinely magical about singing in your native tongue; it allows for a different kind of emotional connection and expressiveness. The aria captures Juliette’s wish to relish the freedom and joys of life, even as she stands on the brink of a whirlwind romance that will change her world forever.

The production, directed with a sensitive touch by both Alison Marshall, the Artistic Director and Justin Lavender, the Musical Director, balanced the intimacy of the characters’ emotions with the grandeur of Gounod’s score. We performed with an ensemble that beautifully complemented the vocals, creating a rich tapestry of sound that filled the church, resonating with the emotions of the story.

Reflecting on this performance, I am reminded of the importance of these artistic collaborations and the joy of bringing beloved works to life in new and meaningful ways. It was a privilege to be part of Arcadian Opera’s vision and to share this iconic role with such a wonderful company and audience.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt and that it brings a little bit of the joy and excitement we felt on stage to your day. You can read a little more in my blog post https://charlottehoatherblog.com/2019/10/13/romeo-juliet/

Thank you for continuing to be part of this journey with me. Your support means the world.