Composed by Mozart in only six week in 1785, The Marriage of Figaro was his first collaboration w ith the Italian Librettist Lorenzo da Ponte. Da Ponte came to Mozart with the idea of adapting the 'new' play by Beaumarchais which had been published only a year before and had attracted controversy from the start. To members of the ruling classes in Europe on the eve of the French Revolution, a tale in which a Count is proved to be less noble than his own wife and is outwitted by his servant Figaro, was at the very least thought to be dangerous!

Candlelight Opera's stunning production, specially staged for the concert platform, perfectly captures the wit and romance of this fascinating opera which has been a favourite with audiences since its first performance in Vienna. Beautifully costumed in 18th century dress, inspired by the paintings of Gainsborough and Boucher, and accompanied by the acclaimed Candlelight Orchestra, these very special performances promise to be a highlight of Candlelight's 2009 season.