Rarefied atmosphere's don't come much more rarefied than the moment the curtain rises. Peter Eötvös piece of contemporary opera is impressive and evocative throughout.

But the mix of disconcerting, and in some instances bloody and disturbing, video images, and a striking but sometimes unsettling score, may have left some classic opera buffs shifting uncomfortably in their dinner jackets and furs.

Adapted from the novella by Nobel-prizewinner, Gabriel García Márquez its libretto wears its literary heart on its sleeve and flows with poetic and powerful language sung in English.

Hungarian composer Eötvös is an acclaimed conductor and composer who has seen success with The Three Sisters, Le Balcon and Angels in America.

The opera, performed by the London Phiharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, is set in the tropical and superstitious world of 18th century Colombia.

A young girl is bitten by a rabid dog but concerns for her health quickly descend into religious hysteria and she is accused of being possessed by demons.

A priest, played by the devilishly handsome Nathan Gunn, is sent to exorcise the girl but in turn is possessed by love for her.

Complex themes of grief and obsession were also touched upon, and the performance of Allison Bell imbued central character Sierva Maria with a genuine sadness and beauty.

Visually the production is stunning, with superb sets which instantly takes the audience from their Champagne pinics in the famous Glyndebourne grounds, to the moonlit terraces of colonial South America.
Other arresting images include a self-flagellating priest and a climatic exorcism awash with litres of fake blood.

Love and Other Demons runs until August 30. Box office: 01273 813813.
Steve Holloway