Romeo and Juliet: A Theatrical Concert, is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Concert Theatre Works, and acclaimed director Bill Barclay. This co-commissioned production—also supported by the Royal Albert Hall and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, features live actors in costume, dynamic staging, and even sword fighting on stage. This performance goes beyond traditional concert presentations to create an immersive theatrical experience. The orchestra will perform alongside the action, blending Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy with Prokofiev’s powerful and evocative score written for the story.

“Barclay did fulfill his vision and goal, “making live music feel essential.” In his program note, Barclay asserted correctly that “classical music largely struggles to connect with young people, a challenge each generation has valiantly wrestled.” Fortunately, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is familiar enough for his “trim and taut” solution of combining a tragic romance between star-crossed lovers with some of Prokofiev’s most inspired music.” -Berkshire Eagle