Music in the Ballroom
The voice as the storyteller.
8th, 9th, 13th, 16th August 2026
Ballroom, Waterperry House
This intimate ballroom concert series shines a light on the richness of the human voice. Across four events, different voice types take centre stage, revealing how character, emotion, and storytelling live within the music.
"Music in the ballroom" celebrates the variety and personality of the singing voice through a sequence of contrasting recitals. It opens with a special performance from our new Artistic Director, John Savournin, in a characterful opening programme, bring the beauty on text in song to the foreground. Then, in collaboration with Opera Prelude, we present two thematic programmes to compliment our two opera productions. The first focuses on the Soprano voice, in an exploration of beauty, drama, and expressive storytelling linked to Puccini's La boheme. The second is a programme devoted to the Tenor voice, featuring arias and songs by Donizetti, the composer of The Elixir of Love, uncovering their brilliance and emotional range. The series closes with a special guest recital from world class baritone Roderick Williams OBE, bringing this remarkable journey through voice and song to a memorable conclusion.
Timings
Performance starts at 5pm. Approx finish 5:40pm.
Tickets
Tickets start at £20, with a small booking fee.
Under 35s Tickets start at £15, Benefit Holder/NHS Blue Light Tickets start at £18.
General Booking opens 31st March.
Words and Music
8th August, 5pm
Our Artistic Director, John Savournin, will perform a text-led recital, full of his customary character and flair, that will set the festival in motion. Join us for this special chance to meet and hear John perform.
A renowned bass-baritone, John has performed regularly with all the UK national opera companies, including recent performances with English National Opera (HMS Pinafore), Garsington Opera (A Midsummer Night's Dream) and Opera Holland Park (Don Giovanni).
Programme details will be announced soon.
A Soprano's journey: Beauty, Drama and the Art of Storytelling
9th August, 5pm
Soprano Erin Rossington introduces the Soprano voice in the operatic repertoire, taking us on a journey of vocal discovery in a beautiful programme which will feature arias by Puccini, including Mimi's arias from La bohème. The perfect companion concert for our main stage production!
Erin was Associate Artist for 2024/25 at the Welsh National Opera. During the season she performed Cercatrice in Suor Angelica and Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro for WNO.
Presented in collaboration with Opera Prelude.
Donizetti Masterpieces in Opera and Song
13th August, 5pm
Tenor Simon Mascarenhas Carter introduces the Tenor voice in an enchanting programme including Nemorino's arias from The Elixir of Love, as well as other Donizetti arias and songs. The perfect companion concert for our Amphitheatre production!
Simon is one of our festival's previous Young Artists who performed as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni with us last season, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the festival for this performance.
Presented in collaboration with Opera Prelude.
Guest Recital: Roderick Williams OBE
16th August, 5pm
For our special closing recital in the series, we are delighted to welcome world class baritone Roderick Williams to Waterperry.
Entitled Love flows as the brook flows, featuring songs by Schubert, Vaughan-Williams, Britten and more, this charming concert will round off the festival in an incredibly special way - and is not to be missed!
FAQs
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Around 40 minutes, with no interval.
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In the Waterperry ballroom.