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We bring Britten’s musical retelling of Shakespeare’s beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Garsington Opera stage.

In a mystical world, humans are muddled and misled by the inhabitants of a fairy world. Becoming the playthings of the quarrelling King Oberon and Queen Tytania. This tale of enchantment, madness and love is brought to life through Britten’s extraordinary orchestration, creating a sound-world of unearthly beauty.

Garsington Opera: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Wormsley

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present a captivating double bill that intertwines the themes of comedy and tragedy through the lens of jealousy, featuring "Il segreto di Susanna" by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari and "Pagliacci" by Ruggero Leoncavallo. This extraordinary event is set to take place in July and August 2024, offering multiple performances that promise to enchant and provoke thought among its audience.

"Il segreto di Susanna" is a sophisticated comedy that explores the misunderstandings and secrets between a newlywed couple, with a plot that anticipates the screwball comedies of the 1930s. Its counterpart, "Pagliacci," presents a darker narrative of love, betrayal, and revenge within a troupe of traveling performers, culminating in a dramatic and bloody conclusion. This juxtaposition of Wolf-Ferrari’s elegant comedy against Leoncavallo’s harrowing tragedy offers a unique theatrical experience that showcases the diverse emotional landscapes of opera.

The productions boast a talented cast including Clare Presland, Richard Burkhard, and John Savournin, who reunite for John Wilkie’s stylish revival of "Il segreto di Susanna." David Butt Philip, celebrated as the leading tenor of his generation, makes his role debut as Canio in "Pagliacci," under the direction of Martin Lloyd-Evans and conducted by Francesco Cilluffo. The performances also feature Alison Langer as Nedda and Harry Thatcher as Silvio, promising exceptional vocal and dramatic presentations.

Performances are scheduled from July 17th to August 3rd, 2024, with evening shows at 7.30pm. Tickets are available in various bands, offering options for every budget, with prices ranging from £24 for INSPIRE tickets to £175 for Premier seats. Members can enjoy savings of up to £8 per ticket, highlighting the benefits of membership with Opera Holland Park.

This event is not only a celebration of opera but also an exploration of the human condition, performed in Italian with English surtitles to ensure accessibility for all attendees. The City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus will accompany the performances, adding to the grandeur and emotional depth of the evening.

Opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike are invited to experience this blend of humor, drama, and music under the summer sky at Opera Holland Park, promising an unforgettable journey through the complexities of love and jealousy.

Il segreto di Susanna / Pagliacci

Opera Holland Park

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present "The Yeomen of the Guard" by the renowned duo W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, in a captivating new production set to take the stage in August 2024. This Shakespearean comedy, filled with broken hearts and broken vows, unfolds in the historic setting of the Tower of London, where Colonel Fairfax awaits execution on false charges of sorcery. The plot thickens with the arrival of two strolling players, Jack Point and Elsie Maynard, setting off a chain of daring escapes, misunderstandings, and reluctant marriage proposals.

This production marks the fourth collaboration between Opera Holland Park and Charles Court Opera, directed by John Savournin, who also stars as Wilfred Shadbolt, the Head Jailor and Assistant Tormentor. David Eaton will conduct the City of London Sinfonia, bringing this intricate musical score to life. The cast includes William Morgan as Colonel Fairfax, Matthew Kellett as Jack Point, Llio Evans as Elsie Maynard, and Samantha Price as Phoebe Meryll, among others.

Performances are scheduled from Wednesday, August 7th, through Saturday, August 10th, 2024, with evening shows at 7.30pm and a special matinee performance on Saturday at 2.00pm. Ticket prices range across several bands, from the premier seats at £175 (£167 for members) to the INSPIRE tickets at £24, subject to availability. Members can enjoy savings of up to £8 per ticket. Additionally, a Discovery Matinee on Saturday, August 10th, offers a relaxed environment for newcomers to opera or those who find traditional theatre settings inaccessible, with tickets available in various categories.

This production is sung in English with English surtitles, ensuring accessibility for all audiences. Special performances include a Discovery Matinee, a Touch Tour, and an Audio Described Performance on Saturday, August 10th. Enhance your experience by booking a picnic table for a memorable evening at Opera Holland Park.

Join us for a mesmerizing rendition of "The Yeomen of the Guard," a tale of love, intrigue, and comedy, set against the backdrop of one of England's most famous historical landmarks. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable opera experience.

The Yeomen of the Guard

So it’s a huge relief when timid Robin Oakapple is revealed as his long-lost elder brother and the true inheritor of the curse. Robin’s romance with the faultlessly correct Rose Maybud looks doomed, but his troubles really start when his feeble crimes drag his exasperated ancestors back from the dead to haunt him…

John Savournin

Bass-baritone

Events

Jun 16 - Jul 19, 2024

Garsington Opera: A Midsummer Night’s Dream · Philharmonia Orchestra

Jul 17 - Aug 3, 2024

Il segreto di Susanna / Pagliacci · Opera Holland Park

7 - 10 Aug, 2024

The Yeomen of the Guard · Opera Holland Park

Oct 26 - Nov 21, 2024

Ruddigore · Opera North

Future and recently performed repertoire

Sir Despard Murgatroyd in Ruddigore by Sullivan

Opera North

Sante in Il segreto di Susanna by Wolf-Ferrari

Opera Holland Park

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