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LONDON FOR FUN Newsletter: 14 February 2012 Issue No.213

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http://www.londonforfun.com
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1.) Top 10 London events
2.) Other Events, Theatre listings, Museums and Galleries
3.) How to unsubscribe

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1. Top 10 London events
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1 - La nozze di Figaro - Mozart's ‘upstairs, downstairs' opera is full of amorous intrigue, plotting, counterplotting, love and forgiveness and is one of the great theatrical works of all time. The magnetic Erwin Schrott stars as the cunning servant Figaro - and this Figaro is out to make sure that the Count, his master, dances to his tune, and renounces his claim on Figaro's beautiful fiancée Susanna. To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Royal Opera mounts a new production of his setting of the second of Beaumarchais' domestic but politically charged Figaro comedies, as adapted by librettist Lorenzo da Ponte. Until 2 March. Buy tickets

2 - Classical Spectacular - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra return to play all the classics with thundering cannons and indoor fireworks. From 15 March until 18 March. www.royalalberthall.com

3 - Alberto Burri: Form and Matter - Alberto Burri (1915-1995) revolutionised the artistic vocabulary of the post-war art world. During the 1950s his celebration of humble materials such as sacking and tar created a new aesthetic, rich in expressive power, that was later to prove decisive for artists associated with the Arte Povera movement. Despite his importance, this exhibition is the first major retrospective of the artist’s work to be held in the United Kingdom. It offers a comprehensive overview of Burri's achievement through works spanning four decades: from rare, figurative pieces of the late 1940s to the ground-breaking abstract works for which he is best known. Until 7 April. www.estorickcollection.com

4 - David Shrigley: Brain Activity - British artist David Shrigley is best known for his humourous drawings that make witty and wry observations on everyday life.Trained as a fine artist, his deliberately crude graphic style gives his work an immediate and accessible appeal, while simultaneously offering insightful commentary on the absurdities of human relationships. This exhibition, his first major survey show in London, will cover the full range of Shrigley's diverse practice. This extends far beyond drawing to include photography, books, sculpture, animation, painting and music. Until 20 May. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

5 - Swan Lake on Ice - The 26 World, European and National Championship skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, take contemporary ice dance to a new level with their awe-inspiring and agile feats, some of which are so complex they haven’t yet been named. Leading ice choreographer Tony Mercer combines daring high-speed leaps, throws and lifts with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing, performed on a specially-created frozen stage. With Tchaikovsky’s glorious and memorable music performed by a live orchestra, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story and the triumph of good over evil will take your breath away. This never-seen-before performance, specially adapted for the magnificent setting of the Royal Albert Hall, will feature sumptuous costumes, stunning projection, and magical special effects. From 18 May until 20 May. www.royalalberthall.com

6 - Van Dyck in Sicily: Painting and the Plague, 1624 – 25 - In the spring of 1624 the painter Anthony Van Dyck (1599 -1641) moved from Genoa to Palermo in Sicily. Soon after Van Dyck’s arrival, plague struck Palermo and most of the population died. In the same year, the bones of Saint Rosalia were discovered in a cave on the Monte Pellegrino where she was said to have died as a hermit in the Middle Ages. This will be the first exhibition to focus on Van Dyck’s work during this period. The exhibition takes Dulwich’s own Portrait of Emanuele Filiberto as a starting point and expands into an examination of Van Dyck’s activity in that year. It will also be the first time in the UK that Van Dyck’s portrait of the Viceroy of Sicily from Dulwich’s own collection will be seen next to the spectacular suit of armour worn by the viceroy in the portrait – still surviving in the Royal Armouries of Madrid. Until 27 May. www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

7 - Lucian Freud Portraits - Lucian Freud (1922 – 2011) was one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. Paintings of people were central to his work and this major exhibition, spanning over seventy years, is the first to focus on his portraiture. Produced in close collaboration with the late Lucian Freud, the exhibition concentrates on particular periods and groups of sitters which illustrate Freud's stylistic development and technical virtuosity. Insightful paintings of the artist's lovers, friends and family, referred to by the artist as the 'people in my life', will demonstrate the psychological drama and unrelenting observational intensity of his work. Featuring over 100 works from museums and private collections throughout the world, some of which have never been seen before, this is an unmissible opportunity to experience the work of one of the world's greatest artists. Until 27 May. www.npg.org.uk

8 - Turner Inspired: In the Light of Claude - Turner Inspired: In the Light of Claude is the most in-depth examination of Turner's experience of Claude's art to date. The exhibition includes oils, watercolours and sketchbooks and introduces visitors to the story of the Turner Bequest and its importance in the history of the National Gallery. The final room of the show exhibits archive material dedicated to this relationship. From 14 March until 5 June. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

9 - Picasso and Modern British Art - Picasso remains the twentieth century’s single most important artistic figure, a towering genius who changed the face of modern art. In a major new exhibition at Tate Britain, Picasso and Modern British Art explores his extensive legacy and influence on British art, how this played a role in the acceptance of modern art in Britain, alongside the fascinating story of Picasso’s lifelong connections to and affection for this country. It brings together over 150 spectacular artworks, with over 60 stunning Picassos including sublime paintings from the most remarkable moments in his career, such as Weeping Woman 1937 and The Three Dancers 1925. It offers the rare opportunity to see these celebrated artworks alongside seven of Picasso’s most brilliant British admirers, exploring the huge impact he had on their art: Duncan Grant, Wyndham Lewis, Ben Nicholson, Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, Graham Sutherland and David Hockney. Until 15 July. www.tate.org.uk

10 - Disney Fantasia - Live in Concert - Enjoy Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation. These high definition screenings, accompanied by the live performance of some of the most memorable classical music ever composed, will be brought to life by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Mauceri. A selection of the magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 including Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue will be performed live while iconic moments from Disney's stunning footage, including Mickey Mouse as he dabbles in magic in Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice and the mythical unicorns and winged horses that accompany Beethoven's 'Pastoral' Symphony, are shown on the big screen. 21 October. www.royalalberthall.com

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2. Other Events, Theatre listings, Museums and Galleries:

Events listing:
http://www.londonforfun.com/events-in-London.htm

Theatre listings:
http://www.londonforfun.com/London-theatres.htm

Museum listing:
http://www.londonforfun.com/London-museums.htm

Galleries listings:
http://www.londonforfun.com/galleries-in-London.htm

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