06/10/2026
Exeter Opera Group continues to demonstrate the extraordinary power of live opera with its magnificent production of Samson et Dalila. Combining thrilling vocal performances, compelling drama and outstanding musicianship, this production is a shining example of the high artistic standards that EOG consistently brings to audiences across the South West.
At the heart of the production is a superb cast of soloists. Iryna Ilnytska's Dalila is captivating, combining vocal warmth, dramatic intensity and seductive charm to create a character of remarkable depth and complexity. Opposite her, Robert Felstead's Samson is both powerful and moving, meeting the immense vocal and emotional demands of this iconic role with impressive strength, stamina and sensitivity.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Nick Young makes a commanding Abimelech, bringing authority and dramatic presence to the role, while Ian Spackman, as Le Grand Prêtre, delivers a performance of great charisma and power, embodying the character's manipulation and menace. Edwin Dizer, as the Old Hebrew, contributes dignity, wisdom and beautifully shaped singing, adding further depth to the drama.
Saint-Saëns' score is brought vividly to life by the excellent Richard Lucas, whose sensitive and accomplished pianism provides both colour and momentum throughout the performance. His musical leadership ensures that every emotional nuance of the opera is conveyed with clarity and conviction.
The opera itself offers everything audiences could wish for: love, betrayal, political conflict, religious tension and personal tragedy, all culminating in one of the most dramatic endings in the operatic repertoire. EOG's performers tell this story with passion and commitment, drawing audiences into the emotional heart of the work from beginning to end.
Productions such as Samson et Dalila demonstrate why Exeter Opera Group remains such an important part of the region's cultural life. By bringing ambitious, high-quality opera to local theatres, EOG continues to enrich the artistic landscape, offering audiences the opportunity to experience world-class operatic storytelling close to home. It is a company that consistently delivers excellence, proving that great opera thrives not only in major international houses but also on the stages of Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
