Billy Corgan, the frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, is bringing ‘A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness featuring Billy Corgan' to Europe this autumn.
The new dates follow a critically acclaimed seven date run last year at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Composed by and featuring performances by Corgan himself alongside world class soloists and orchestras, the show is a one-of-a-kind operatic and orchestral rendering of the album ‘Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness'. The opera re-imagines and pays homage to the era-defining album of the same name, whilst also expanding the definition and intention of opera.
Composed by Corgan alongside Grammy-nominated conductor James Lowe, the shows will also feature vocals from Ed Parks (Baritone – London, Belgium + France), Sydney Mancasola (Soprano), Zoie Reams (Mezzo-Soprano), Dominick Valdes Chenes (Tenor) and Dean Murphy (Baritone – Spain only). The costumes have also been designed by House of Gilles by Gilles Mendel and Chloé Mendel Corgan. Blurring the boundaries of opera, rock and performance art, the performances are truly a fully immersive sonic and visual experience.
Corgan says “The success of translating ‘Mellon Collie' into operatic and classical form has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. Where on each of the 7 sold out nights in Chicago we’d finish within the raucous wave of a standing ovation. So to now take it on the road, and to Europe, too says this magical dream doesn’t have to end.”
Conductor James Lowe says, “It has been so gratifying to discover how the nuances and layers of ‘Mellon Collie' reveal themselves in fresh new ways in these symphonic,choral and operatic settings. To now have the opportunity to perform this work in Europe with world class musicians in such important venues is nothing short of thrilling.”
‘A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness Featuring Billy Corgan' will be performed in September in the UK, Belgium, Paris and Spain. Tickets go on pre-sale on Tuesday 12th May at 10.00am BST. Tickets for the Antwerp and Paris shows go on general sale on 13th May at 10.00am CET. Tickets for the London and Madrid shows go on general sale on 14th May at 10.00am BST.
The full dates are:
- 1st September – London, UK, Royal Festival Hall
- 2nd September – London, UK, Royal Festival Hall
- 6th September – Antwerp, Belgium, Queen Elisabeth Hall (2 shows)
- 8th September – Paris, France, Salle Pleye
- 9th September – Paris, France, Salle Pleye
- 11th September – Madrid, Spain, Palacio Vistalegre
Tickets are available from https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/billy-corgan-tickets/artist/1409040.
