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Carmen
11th, 12th, 15th, 17th, & 19th August / 6.30pm
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
| Orchestration by Leo Geyer | Performed in an English Translation by Christopher Cowell
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Acis & Galatea / Dido & Aeneas
16th, 18th & 20th August / 6.30pm
Acis and Galatea - Composed by George Frideric Handel | Libretto by John Gay
Dido and Aeneas - Composed by Henry Purcell | Libretto by Nahum Tate
Dido and Aeneas - Composed by Henry Purcell | Libretto by Nahum Tate
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Location: Amphitheatre
Duration: 6.30pm (start time) / 90 minute extended picnic interval / 10.15pm The festival's 1st 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. |
Mansfield Park
11th, 12th, 13th, 15th & 16th August / 2pm
This production will also be touring across the UK from July to September 2023
This production will also be touring across the UK from July to September 2023
Composed by Jonathan Dove | Libretto by Alistair Middleton | Based on a novel by Jane Austen
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Location: Waterperry House Ballroom
Duration: 2pm (start time) / 20 minute interval / 4.15pm (finish) 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 
Vivaldi's Four Seasons18th, 19th & 20th August / 4pm
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Location: Waterperry Garden Glade
Duration: 1 hour / No Interval 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
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Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Little Red Riding Hood & Three Little Pigs
12th, 13th, 19th & 20th August / 11am
A co-production with Opera Holland Park embarking on a UK tour in July and August 2023.
Delivered in partnership with Oxford Festival of the Arts and Lichfield Festival.
A co-production with Opera Holland Park embarking on a UK tour in July and August 2023.
Delivered in partnership with Oxford Festival of the Arts and Lichfield Festival.
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Composed by Paul Patterson | Adapted text by Donald Sturrock
Location: Waterperry Amphitheatre
Duration: 1 hour / No Interval Age Recommendation : 5+ 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 "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
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Peter Rabbit's Musical Adventure
12th, 13th, 18th & 20th August / 1pm
Music by Joseph Haydn | Words by Beatrix Potter
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Location: Waterperry Garden Glade
Duration: 30 minutes Age Recommendation: 0+ 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. |
King Harald's Saga |
12th & 13th August / 3.30pm & 4.30pm
Composed by Judith Weir | Based on the 13th Century Icelandic Saga Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241)
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Location: Waterperry Garden
Duration: 20 minutes 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. 
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Waterperry Prom
13th August / 6.30pm
A relaxed evening showcasing a collection of classical music’s well-known pieces.
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Location: Waterperry Front Lawn
Duration: 6.30pm (start time) / 8.30pm (finish) 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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