Ealing Schoolgirl Cast in English National Opera Production


Matilda McDonald will perform solo in final act of Puccini's Tosca


Matilda McDonald. Picture: St Augustine's Priory

An Ealing schoolgirl has been cast as the young Tosca in the English National Opera’s forthcoming production of ‘Tosca’ by Puccini.

Matilda McDonald, a Year 8 pupil at St Augustine's Priory, performs a solo in the final act.

The opera opens the ENO’s 2022-23 season and tells the tragic tale of the opera singer Floria Tosca, as she struggles to save the life of her lover Cavaradossi from Scarpia, the police chief. Matilda performs her solo dressed like a young Tosca.

The singing teacher at the her school, Elena Ferrari, reflected how proud everyone at St. Augustine’s is of her saying, ‘Matilda has one of the best young soprano voices I have heard’.

A member of the Chamber Choir at St Augustine’s Priory, Matilda is appearing in all performances of the ENO’s production, which runs until 4 November, and says of her time at the ENO, ‘Everyone has been very friendly – this has been an amazing experience and I have enjoyed every moment’.

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October 13, 2022