Review: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music Reopens Sage One with Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tuttí

Invited: Review by Stephen Stokoe 19 September 2026

Sage One at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music reopend last night with a gala reception and a glorious concert performance of Mozart’s delightfully devilish opera, Cosi Fan Tuttí.

The principal concert hall at the Glasshouse has been closed over the summer for some major techincal and audio improvements and while cosmestically it looks the same, there have been major upgrades in the technical infrastructure including stage risers and stage lifts plus some significant work to improve the already impressive accoustics in the hall.

Speaking before last night’s operatic performance, CEO Fraser Anderson spoke of the completion of stage one as part of an ongoing capital renewal programme which in itself cost around £4m. Following Anderson’s welcome and acknowledgements of donors, benefactors, and invited guests there were interviews with Dinis Sousa, music director of the Royal Northern Sinfonia and first clarinetist, Cristina Mateo introducting the evening’s performance as part of the launch of the centre’s brand new classical season.

There was excitement at the audience made their way into the newly reopened Sage One and much anticipation as Sousa returned to take his place in the conductor’s podium. He was very warmly welcomed.

There is always something magical and even ethereal about hearing a full orchestra tune up. I find myself holding my breath in anticipation and as the orchestra struck up the first notes of Mozart’s opera it was very clear that not one penny had been wasted on these renovations. The sound was crisp and clear and it spread over the audiencee in a wave of sound. I do not mind admitting that the hairs on the back of my neck were standing to attention as the two three male leads took to the stage for act one.

Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte follows two young officers, Ferrando (Jonas Hacker) and Guglielmo (Cody Quattlebaum), who make a wager with the cynical philosopher Don Alfonso (Neal Davies) to prove the unwavering fidelity of their fiancées, sisters Dorabella (Angela Brower) and Fiordiligi (Christina Gansch). To test the women, Don Alfonso pretends the officers have been called off to war, then enlists the sisters’ witty maid, Despina (Rebecca Evans), to help introduce two mysterious “foreign” suitors—who are actually Ferrando and Guglielmo in disguise, each attempting to seduce the other’s partner. Despite initial resistance, Dorabella succumbs first to a disguised Guglielmo, while Fiordiligi eventually yields to a disguised Ferrando. After Don Alfonso stage-manages a mock wedding with Despina posing as a notary, the officers drop their disguises to reveal the deception, leaving all four lovers to confront their newfound human flaws and reconcile.

Every single member of the principal team were outstanding. Hacker cut a dashing figure, Quattlebaum a rugged and handsome one. The sopranos sang exquisitely and the acting was such that I barely had to glance at Jonathan Burton’s surtitles to understand what was going on.

This is not the easiest opera to get right as the farcical nature of the piece can distract from Mozart’s wonderful music. Not so in this performance. The comic timing was absolutely outstanding and I have to give two special mentions to Davies as the devious and calcuating Alfonso and I thoroughly deserved standing ovation to Evans for her portrayal of the madcap, avaricious, but thoroughly adorable handmaid, Despina.

^{Rehearsal Photos from Cosi Fan Tuttí at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music}

The principals were ably assisted by a chorus led by director Tim Burke from The Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia who came and went from the stage with military precision and more than a little good humour and fun to add to this gloirous comedy opera.

This was a fantastic evening from start to finish but being the launch of the new season at the Glasshouse, this is only the start. In the programme for the classical season there are way too many jewels that I could not possibly list them all but here are some highlights coming up soon.

• 26 September: 7pm: Bruch, Holst and Biber – a veritable smorgasbord or musical delights with Will Duerden.
• 22nd October: 7.30: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – get a whole year in one evening with Maria Wloszczowska.
• 27-28 October: How to Train Your Dragon 2 – something for old and young alike as Ellie Storoch conducts Royal Northern Sinfonia playing the spectacular soundtrack as this heartwarning animated sequel is played on the big screen.

Looking through the programme, there really is something for everyone whatever your musical tastes. There are also educational programmes and other special events coming up.