Carmen

Carmen

Composed by Georges Bizet | Libretto by Henri Meilhac & Ludovic Halévy, based on the novel of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
Orchestration by Leo Geyer | Performed in an English translation by Christopher Cowell

Carmen, a free spirited woman, is led by an assertive thirst for survival and independence. Surrounded by possessive men, she uses seduction and manipulation to be able to make her own choices. Yet, when one man's infatuation spins out of control, those choices are the difference between life and death.
 
Festival Music Director Bertie Baigent (The Elixir of Love, The Marriage of Figaro) will conduct five performances of Bizet’s passionate opera on the front lawn at Waterperry House. Anna Morrissey directs a bold production full of fiery movement and spectacle, alongside Designer Charlotte Henery (The Marriage of Figaro), Lighting Designer Ryan Day and Sound Designer Will Thompson on behalf of Show Works.

This production will showcase some of the UK’s most outstanding emerging operatic talent, alongside our 2023 Young Artists and the acclaimed Waterperry orchestra.

Photos © Ellie Kurttz | elliekurttz.com

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Acis & Galatea / Dido & Aeneas

Acis & Galatea / Dido & Aeneas 

Acis and Galatea - Composed by George Frideric Handel | Libretto by John Gay
Dido and Aeneas - Composed by Henry Purcell | Libretto by Nahum Tate 

The festival's first double-bill makes its home in Waterperry’s stunning Amphitheatre.

Acis and Galatea. The ethereal nymph, Galatea, is in love with a youthful shepherd, Acis. All seems serene, until their love is threatened by the jealousy of the monstrous Polyphemus. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer (Svadba, Hansel and Gretel, Ariel, Mansfield Park) this new production celebrates the beauty of Handel’s music coupled with Waterperry’s natural spaces.

Dido and Aeneas. Tribal Queen Dido struggles to keep power in her court as Prince Aeneas comes to ask for her hand in marriage and an alliance between factions. Treachery and sedition threaten to tear a nation and a marriage asunder. Directed by Guy Withers (Peter and the Wolf, The Diary of One Who Disappeared), this beloved English operatic gem takes a dark turn in a bold new production.

Michael Papadopoulos conducts these two contrasting productions alongside Designer Jennifer Gregory. Both operas will be performed by the same ensemble cast consisting of the UK’s most outstanding emerging operatic talent, audiences will most definitely be entertained.

Photos © Ellie Kurttz | elliekurttz.com

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Mansfield Park

Mansfield Park 

Composed by Jonathan Dove | Libretto by Alistair Middleton | Based on a novel by Jane Austen​

Back by popular demand, our much-beloved production of Jonathan Dove's Mansfield Park will be embarking on another 10-date national tour this summer.

This period-perfect opera brings Jane Austen’s world to life with charming wit and stunning music. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer (Svadba, Hansel and Gretel, Ariel), this production has received widespread critical-acclaim and has had three sold out runs at Waterperry over the years. Accompanied on the piano by Music Director Ashley Beauchamp (The Diary of One Who Disappeared, Hansel and Gretel), 10 singers perform as an ensemble of loveable characters pulling at our heartstrings and making us laugh-out-loud.

This intimate production brings audiences right into the centre of the action. Perfect for Austen and music lovers alike, be prepared to be whisked away.

Touring to:
Marylebone Festival - 8th July
Kirtlington Park - 15th, 16th September

"Mansfield Park sparkled with wit and ingenuity from start to finish. As intimate opera experiences go, Waterperry Opera Festival's fresh, joy-fuelled Mansfield Park sets a new benchmark of quality, vibrancy and sheer fun. "
​★★★★★ | Bachtrack

"...a delightful entertainment, full of charm and wit, fine ensemble work and clear characterisation..." | Opera Scene
"Waterperry...proves that opera does not have to be grand to be successful."  | The Telegraph

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WOF Prom

Waterperry Prom

A relaxed evening showcasing a collection of classical music’s well-known pieces.

Waterperry Prom is a fun, informal concert designed for all ages to come and enjoy a joyous celebration of well-loved classical works including Bizet, Mozart, Handel and more, performed by our very own 2023 WOF Artists and Orchestra.

Conducted by Bertie Baigent (Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, The Elixir of Love), and hosted by Guy Withers, Artist Director and CEO of Waterperry Opera Festival, be prepared to dance, and sing along to what will be a feel-good evening of music and merriment.

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Four Seasons

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Composed by Antonio Vivaldi

The Four Seasons, a beautiful and beloved quartet of four violin concertos by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi, gives musical expression to each season of the year. In a new contemporary dance staging, performances will aptly take place in the Waterperry Garden Glade by young local musicians from Oxford County Youth Orchestra, and dancers from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, effortlessly bringing Vivaldi’s music to life.

Conducted by Tess Jackson (Peter and the Wolf) and choreographed by Hubert Essakow (Figures in the Garden), this visually striking and dynamic production brilliantly fuses two art forms together.

“This was a perfect combination of music and dance” | Daily Info
“This extra treat…cleanly interpreted and executed” | Opera Scene

Photos © Sisi Burn | sisiburn.com

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Revolting Rhymes

​Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
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Little Red Riding Hood & Three Little Pigs

A co-production with Opera Holland Park

Composed by Paul Patterson | Adapted text by Donald Sturrock

Through the celebrated words of Roald Dahl, delve into the world of fairytales and adventure with two interactive family-friendly stories; Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. ​With a running time of just under an hour, and ideal for ages 5+, both tales will capture the imagination through music, dance and spoken word that will leave families full of laughter and joy.

This co-production with Opera Holland Park will be directed by Lily Dyble (Dream), musically directed by Ben Cox, and designed by Caitlin Abbott.

Touring to: 
Opera Holland Park - 1st July
Lichfield Festival - 8th July
Oxford Festival of the Arts - 16th July
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"This unique take on an old tale had children predominantly in mind – and the young audience were transfixed. I found myself hoping that this performance gets to tour schools all over the country – especially those where the pupils might otherwise think of classical music as something ‘other’ and austere.​" | Ox in the Box

​Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes on tour at Opera Holland Park

Photos © Steve Gregson | stevegregsonphotos.com

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Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit's Musical Adventure

Music by Joseph Haydn | Words by Beatrix Potter

Peter Rabbit's Musical Adventures is back, after sell-out runs in 2018 and 2019, offering a relaxed family-friendly experience interweaving music played by a classical string quartet and narrator. This feel-good and engaging production lasts 30 minutes and is perfect for children ages 0+ experiencing classical music for the first time. 

Directed by Guy Withers (Peter and the Wolf), this production is a wonderful addition to a day out immersed in the stunning Waterperry Gardens.

Photos © Sisi Burn | sisiburn.com

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King Harald

King Harald's Saga

Composed by Judith Weir | Based on the 13th Century Icelandic Saga Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241)

King Harald’s Saga tells the story of the Norwegian invasion of England in 1066 led by King Harald, which ended in defeat at the battle of Stamford Bridge, nineteen days before the successful Norman invasion at the Battle of Hastings.

This one woman show, directed by Eleanor Burke, features 8 different characters, as well as the part of the Norwegian army! Hilariously entertaining, this fast-paced production is a superb addition to your visit to the Festival and Waterperry Gardens.​​

Photos © Sisi Burn | sisiburn.com

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