Director

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and comedic world of Rossini's masterpiece, "The Barber of Seville," at this year's Waterperry Opera Festival. Set against the stunning backdrop of Waterperry House, this headline opera promises an unforgettable experience filled with wit, charm, and Rossini's famous melodies. Join us for a series of performances on the 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, and 17th of August 2024, where the bustling streets of Seville come to life on the Waterperry Main Stage.

The story unfolds with the clever and quick-witted Figaro, the barber extraordinaire, as he devises a plan to help his friend, Count Almaviva, win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. Through a series of hilarious disguises and mischievous schemes, they navigate the challenges posed by Rosina's overbearing guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who has his own matrimonial plans for her. This production, performed in English with a translation by Christopher Cowell, features a talented cast including Brenton Spiteri as Count Almaviva, Esme Bronwen-Smith as Rosina, and Patrick Alexander Keefe as Figaro, under the direction of John Wilkie and the baton of conductor Charlotte Corderoy.

Performances start at 6:30pm, featuring an extended dining interval, and conclude at approximately 9:45pm. General booking opens on April 11, with priority booking available for festival supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Rossini's effervescent arias and lively melodies in a production that celebrates love, laughter, and the triumph of cunning over force.

For tickets and further information, visit the Waterperry Opera Festival's official website. Join us for an evening of unforgettable opera under the stars at the Waterperry Main Stage.

The Barber of Seville

Waterperry House

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

### Event Description: Opera Holland Park: Double Bill with City of London Sinfonia

#### Event Overview
Opera Holland Park presents a captivating double bill featuring Wolf-Ferrari’s "Il segreto di Susanna" and Leoncavallo’s "Pagliacci." This unique pairing contrasts the elegant comedy of a honeymoon with the shocking tale of a double murder, both driven by themes of sexual jealousy.

#### Performances
- **Il segreto di Susanna**: A sophisticated comedy where Gil suspects his wife Susanna of infidelity due to the scent of a cigarette, only to discover her secret is not what it seems. This production is a revival of John Wilkie’s stylish 2019 staging, featuring Clare Presland, Richard Burkhard, and John Savournin.
- **Pagliacci**: A dramatic story where Canio, a clown, seeks revenge on his unfaithful wife Nedda and her lover, leading to a tragic conclusion. David Butt Philip makes his role debut as Canio, with Alison Langer as Nedda and Harry Thatcher as Silvio. This new production is directed by Martin Lloyd-Evans and conducted by Francesco Cilluffo.

#### Key Details
- **Dates**: July 17, 2024 - August 3, 2024
- **Location**: Opera Holland Park
- **Ticket Prices**: £24 - £175 (plus booking fee)

#### Performance Schedule
- **July 17, 7:30 PM**
- **July 20, 7:30 PM**
- **July 23, 7:30 PM**
- **July 25, 7:30 PM**
- **July 27, 7:30 PM**
- **July 30, 7:30 PM**
- **August 1, 7:30 PM**
- **August 3, 7:30 PM**

#### Additional Information
The City of London Sinfonia (CLS) will be performing, bringing their belief that music can transform lives through their engaging and dynamic performances.

#### Booking
Tickets are available for purchase on the Opera Holland Park website. Select your preferred date to secure your seats for this extraordinary operatic experience.

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Join us for an evening of contrasting emotions and exceptional performances at Opera Holland Park's Double Bill.

Opera Holland Park: Double Bill

**Hansel and Gretel 2023 at Opera Holland Park**

This summer, immerse yourself in a timeless tale of adventure and magic with Opera Holland Park's production of Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel." Set deep in the forest, this enchanting opera brings to life the Brothers Grimm's story of hunger, enchantment, entrapment, and rescue that has captivated audiences for two centuries. With its charming folksongs and sweeping orchestration, Humperdinck's 1893 masterpiece casts a potent spell, inviting you to join siblings Hansel and Gretel on their daring venture into the woods. There, they encounter mystical figures like The Sandman, The Dew Fairy, and the fearsome Gingerbread Witch.

**Performance Details:**

- **Language:** Sung in German with English surtitles.
- **Duration:** Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 30-minute interval.
- **Special Performances:**
  - Young Artist Performance: Friday, 16 June 2023, 7:30 pm
  - Discovery Matinee: Sunday, 18 June 2023, 2:00 pm

**Creative Team:**
- **Conductor:** Kǎrin Hendrickson
- **Director:** John Wilkie
- **Designer:** Neil Irish
- **Lighting Designer:** Robert Price
- **Movement Director:** Michael Spenceley
- **Chorus Master:** Dominic Ellis-Peckham

**Cast Highlights:**
- **Hansel:** Charlotte Badham / Shakira Tsindos (Young Artist Cast)
- **Gretel:** Laura Lolita Perešivana / Emily Christina Loftus (Young Artist Cast)
- **The Gingerbread Witch:** Eleanor Dennis / Ella de Jongh (Young Artist Cast)

**Enhance Your Visit:**
Pre-order a picnic box from Il Portico for a delightful dining experience. Featuring a selection of classic Italian and modern Mediterranean dishes, it's the perfect complement to your opera outing at £59 for 2 people.

**Venue:** Opera Holland Park, set in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, offers a unique and enriching theatrical experience every summer. This production, with the City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus, promises to be a highlight of the season.

Don't miss this "richly filled and inventive production" praised for its "exceptional singing" and described as a "delicious night at the opera." Secure your tickets now and prepare for a magical journey with Hansel and Gretel.

Hansel and Gretel 2023

**Event Title:** Inside the Gingerbread House: The Toothsome Tale of Hansel and Gretel

**Date and Time:** Wednesday, 26 April 2023, 6.30pm

**Location:** Biscuiteers Belgravia, 14-15 Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9AZ

**Description:** Dive into the enchanting world of Hansel and Gretel with Opera Holland Park's unique event, "Inside the Gingerbread House: The Toothsome Tale of Hansel and Gretel." This one-of-a-kind evening brings together cultural historian Gavin Plumley, food historian Angela Clutton, director John Wilkie, and Professor Mererid Puw Davies, moderated by Anna Picard, for an insightful discussion on the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale, the creation of Humperdinck’s opera, and the captivating allure of sugar and spice. This calorific collaboration with Biscuiteers Belgravia promises an evening filled with Prosecco and macarons upon arrival, enchanting music performances by Paul Carey Jones and Berrak Dyer, and a delightful Jolly Gingerbread to take home. Don't miss this blend of culinary and cultural exploration that delves deep into the heart of this beloved story.

**Priority Booking Dates:**
- Wednesday, 8 March, 10am: Jubilee Society, Founders and Benefactors, Ambassadors
- Thursday, 9 March, 10am: Envoys, Gold Members, and Silver Members
- Monday, 13 March, 10am: General Booking

**Additional Information:** Stay connected with Opera Holland Park for the latest updates, including casting announcements, ticket sale dates, and more by signing up to their mailing list. Experience the magic of opera this summer with Opera Holland Park, where every summer, a theatre comes to life to entertain audiences from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and beyond.

**How to Attend:** Mark your calendars for the priority booking dates relevant to your membership level or prepare for the general booking on Monday, 13 March, 10am. This event promises to be a memorable evening for opera enthusiasts, culinary adventurers, and fairy tale lovers alike.

John Wilkie

Director

Events

Past events

10 - 17 Aug, 2024

The Barber of Seville · Waterperry Opera Festival

Jul 17 - Aug 3, 2024

Il segreto di Susanna / Pagliacci · Opera Holland Park

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