GEORGE FRIDERIC HÄNDEL

Messiah

13th December 2025 | Holywell Music Room, Oxford

20th December 2025 | St. Marylebone Parish Church, London

With the Waterperry Opera Festival Baroque Orchestra and the Choir of St. Marylebone Parish Church.

Now firmly established as a Waterperry Christmas tradition, our Messiah performances have captivated sold-out audiences since 2021. Join us for an exquisite evening of uplifting music with an ensemble of distinguished soloists and period instrumentalists with Bertie Baigent at the helm, all within the magical atmosphere of The Holywell Music Room. Following the Oxford concerts, Messiah will also be presented at the stunning St Marylebone Parish Church in London.

Creative Team

  • Charlotte Politi

    CONDUCTOR

  • John Wilkie

    DIRECTOR

  • Ceci Calf

    DESIGNER

  • Jake Wiltshire

    LIGHTING DESIGNER

Cast

  • Edmund Danon

    DON GIOVANNI

  • Emyr Wyn-Jones

    LEPORELLO

  • Kira Kaplan

    DONNA ANNA

  • Simon Mascarenhas Carter

    DON OTTAVIO

  • Georgia Mae Ellis

    DONNA ELVIRA

  • Jonathan Eyers

    MASETTO

  • Ellie Neate

    ZERLINA

  • Jamie Woollard

    COMMENDATORE

The Music

Mozart’s Don Giovanni is one of the greatest operas ever written; dramatic, playful, and packed with music that grabs you from the very first note. The overture sets the tone brilliantly, shifting between dark intensity and thrilling energy, giving a taste of what’s to come. The score is full of contrasts with seductive melodies, fiery outbursts, and moments of real beauty. The famous duet ‘Là ci darem la mano’ is irresistibly smooth, while ‘Fin ch’han dal vino’ hurtles forward at breakneck speed. And then there’s the spine-tingling finale, where the music itself seems to summon the supernatural.

If you’re new to Don Giovanni, dive into our Spotify playlist and experience some of the opera’s most unforgettable moments.

FAQs

  • Mozart’s Don Giovanni lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, including a 90-minute dining interval.

  • Don Giovanni is a dramma giocoso, meaning it blends comedy and drama. It features moments of humor, but the story ultimately takes a dark turn.

  • Yes! Don Giovanni is one of Mozart’s most famous operas, featuring iconic arias, dramatic storytelling, and thrilling orchestration—a great introduction to opera.

  • At Waterperry Opera Festival, Don Giovanni is performed in English, with no surtitles.

  • Don Giovanni will be performed on the Mainstage in Waterperry Gardens.

  • Don Giovanni is performed on the Mainstage, which has flat paths leading to the venue. Disabled spaces are available to book.