Alongside our headline productions this year we have many complimentary concerts, workshops and talks taking place. These are very popular events and usually sell out so be sure to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.
Young Artist Gala
17th & 19th August
Location: Waterperry Ballroom
Duration: Approx. 1h15m Details: 17th: 16:00 start | 17:00 finish & 19th: 14:30 start | 15:45 finish Come and see our Young Artists present a Gala concert comprising of selected arias and ensembles from a variety of different operas. This is an exclusive opportunity to witness the talent of the next generation of bright opera stars in the intimate setting of the Waterperry House ballroom.
Run by Rebecca Meltzer, our Young Artist Programme offers artists at the beginning of their careers the opportunity to develop their skills and hone their craft in a safe and exciting environment. The programme offers mentorship and training in contemporary opera practice and collaborative theatre-making. Young Artists will be mentored by Festival Staff and external practitioners throughout the programme, and singers will receive a number of coachings and performance opportunities. In 2023 our Young Artist program is generously supported by the Fidelio Charitable Trust, Nicholas John Trust, Doris Field Charitable Trust & Gerald Finzi Trust. These are free events, with a suggested donation. Due to expected high demand a ticket must be purchased in advance to secure your place. |
Come and Sing with Waterperry Opera Festival
19th August
Location: Waterperry Ballroom
Duration: Approx. 1h Details: 12:30 start | 13:30 finish Whether you’re brand new to singing, or training to be our next Carmen, come and join us in the gorgeous Waterperry Ballroom for the chance to sing some of the most-loved choruses from across our season. Led by Waterperry Opera Festival’s Head of Music, Ashley Beauchamp, and joined by some of the cast from our main-stage production of Carmen, this workshop will give you the chance to sing alongside our stars from the Festival!
This event is open to all Waterperry Opera Festival audience members aged 10+. No experience needed! This is a free event with a suggested donation. Due to expected high demand a ticket must be purchased in advance to secure your place. |
London Handel Festival 2023 Competition Winner Recital
20th August
Location: Waterperry Ballroom
Duration: Approx. 1h Details: 14:00 start | 15:00 finish We're thrilled to be welcoming this year's winner of the London Handel Festival's Singing Competition - Bass-Baritone Florian Störtz. In our recital, Florian will be accompanied by our head of music Ashley Beauchamp in a specially curated program for Waterperry Opera Festival. The recital will take place in the magnificent Waterperry House Ballroom - an intimate venue with excellent acoustics.
Florian was selected by the renowned adjudicators panel which included Oliver Mears (Artistic Director of the Royal Opera House), Jo Buckley (CEO of Dunedin Consort), Mhairi Lawson (Soprano) and Christian Curnyn (Conductor). We highly recommend you purchase tickets in advance as limited availability mean ticket may not be available on the door. Full Price Tickets for this event will cost £25. Discount (In receipt of Disability Allowance/ Universal Credit/ Job Seekers Allowance/ NHS Blue Light Card Holder) and Under 35 ticket will cost £15 |
Watch Florian's Performance from the Competition
Pre and Post Show Talks
Pre-show talk: ‘Carmen: From Page to Stage’ | Friday 11th August | 5pm
To celebrate the opening night of Waterperry Opera Festival’s 2023 headline production, join our CEO and Artistic Director, Guy Withers, in conversation with the production’s director, Anna Morrissey, and conductor, Bertie Baigent, as they discuss why Carmen continues to be one of the best-loved operas to date. |
Post-show Talk: ‘Jonathan Dove: Writing for Opera’ | Saturday 12th August | 5.15 pm
Waterperry Opera Festival’s Patron, Jonathan Dove, is one of the most performed living opera composers who consistently explores the potential of opera to communicate, to create wonder, and enrich people’s lives. Join us as we discuss with Jonathan his operatic work and how it continues to captivate new audiences. |
Post-show talk: ‘The Making of King Harald's Saga’ | Sunday 13th August | 5.30pm
Panel: Eleanor Burke, Harriet Burns, William Branston After the triumph of their King Harald’s Saga performances, join us soprano Harriet Burns and director Eleanor Burke, as they demystify and divulge into the works of Judith Weir's one-women opera and share their collaborative process with our host, William Branston. |
Pre-show talk: ‘A Double Bill of Music and Mythology’ | Friday 18th August | 5.30pm
Join our host, William Branston, in conversation with directors, Guy Withers and Rebecca Meltzer, as they discuss the timelessness of Handel and Purcell’s operas in our 2023 double bill production. In this pre-show talk, our panel will be sharing their takes on bringing the operas’ mythology to life in Waterperry’s spectacular amphitheatre ahead of what promises to be a magical evening. |