This week, Orla Boylan, Rachel Kelly and Anna Gillingham take on roles in Britten’s Albert Herring for the first time, in a new production for Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Jonathan Webb conducts the performances which open on 21 May.

An experienced exponent of Britten’s operatic women, Orla Boylan adds the role of Lady Billows to her repertoire for her debut in Florence – she has already sung Ellen Orford (Peter Grimes), the Governess (The Turn of the Screw), Female Chorus (The Rape of Lucretia) and Miss Wingrave (Owen Wingrave). Next season she tackles Puccini’s Turandot at Opera North.

Rachel Kelly also makes her debut at Maggio Musicale, performing the role of Nancy. This debut follows her successful premiere appearance in Paris as Teresa in Bellini’s La sonnambula at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées last month. Next season brings a number of exciting new roles to Rachel’s repertoire, including Idamante (Idomeneo), Fox (The Cunning Little Vixen) and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni).

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has a special place in Anna Gillingham’s heart as the stage of her professional opera debut last season as the Governess in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw. Delighted to return as Miss Wordsworth, Anna Gillingham has already had a big season with her first outing as Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) at Theater Basel and a visit to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as Frasquita (Carmen). Next up this summer is an anticipated world premiere at the Three Choirs Festival.