This is one of many musical works in 19th century that was based on Goethe's Faust. This popular poem was used by many composers to set to music, including Wagner, Schumann, and Liszt. Berlioz first read the French translation of the poem when he was a 23-year-old medical student and he was immediately fascinated by it. He made two attempts at setting the story of Faust to music. Shortly after he had read the story, he composed eight pieces of music depicting eight scenes in the poem. Soon displeased with them and having a grander plan for a larger work, Berlioz withdrew them from publication and destroyed any copy he could find. The second attempt, which is the current form of Damnation, was much grander in scale, and the movements flow from one to another more smoothly in telling the story of Faust.
Gounod's version, which was first peformed on March 19th 1859, never lacks pace or passion. He brings out some of Operas finest moments, The 'Jewel Song', the 'Final trio' with the Devil, Faust and Marguerite and the famous 'Soldiers' Chorus' are just some of the highlights that audiences over the years have come to know and love.

West Riding's performance has two alternating casts with full orchestra and is supported by Leeds City Council Leisure Services.

For the performances on 11th, 13th and 15th April
the cast will be:-

Faust - Cristobal Salvador Medina
Mephistopheles - David Bainbridge
Marguerite - Denise Blackburn
Valentine - Kevin Ormond
Siebel - Andrea Campbell-Mapplebeck
Wagner - Marek Swiercz
Martha - Sally Daley

For the performances on 12th, 14th and 16th April
the cast will be:-

Faust - Graham Webber
Mephistopheles - John Ramsdin
Marguerite - Diane Peacock
Valentine - Kevin Ormond
Siebel - Heather Seekins
Wagner - Tom Austin
Martha - Colleen Brown

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