Director

Puccini’s La bohème unfolds in a dreamlike Waterperry of the late-1930s - the decaying estate a bastion of bohemian artistry amidst fast-evolving world events. Expect soaring music, laughter, and heartbreak in an unforgettable night of opera beneath the stars.

La bohème

Waterperry Gardens

Rodelinda

Wormsley

Handel wrote some of his most beautiful and characterful music for Rodelinda. Hatred and despair, thwarted love and resentment, and a fierce desire for revenge all combine to make a narrative of extraordinary power and potency. Director Ruth Knight collaborates with international award-winning designer Leslie Travers for this Handel masterpiece which will be conducted by Baroque specialist and Olivier Award winner, Peter Whelan.

Handel’s Rodelinda

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present a new semi-staged production of Giacomo Puccini's early romance, "Edgar," set to captivate audiences in July 2024. This compelling opera, a successor to the highly acclaimed "Le Villi" from the 2022 Season, delves into the tumultuous journey of a knight torn between the paths of vice and virtue, represented by two contrasting women: the hedonistic Tigrana and the virtuous Fidelia. Inspired by Alfred de Musset’s play "Le coupe et les lèvres," and set against the backdrop of medieval Flanders, "Edgar" has undergone several revisions since its premiere in 1889, with this production showcasing Puccini’s 1905 edition. 

Audiences will have the opportunity to experience three semi-staged performances, offering a unique chance to engage with Puccini's vivid characterizations of regret and redemption. This production continues Opera Holland Park's tradition of exploring operatic rarities, under the direction of Ruth Knight. The cast features Peter Auty in the title role, alongside Anne Sophie Duprels as Fidelia, Gweneth Ann Rand as Tigrana, and Julien Van Mellaerts as Frank. 

The opera will be performed with the Italian libretto by Ferdinando Fontana, accompanied by English surtitles for accessibility. The City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus will provide the musical backdrop, promising an unforgettable auditory experience.

Performances are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, 2nd July 2024 at 8.00pm
- Thursday, 4th July 2024 at 8.00pm
- Saturday, 6th July 2024 at 8.00pm

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, alongside other benefits such as no booking fees and discounts at the theatre bar. 

This production of "Edgar" at Opera Holland Park is not just an opera; it's an exploration of human emotion, a testament to Puccini's genius, and a rare opportunity to witness a lesser-known work by one of opera's greatest composers. Book your tickets now for an evening of exquisite music, compelling drama, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness within the human soul.

Edgar

Opera Holland Park

Leonore has been waiting for news of her husband for two long years. Rumour has it he is dead; she suspects that he has been secretly imprisoned by a corrupt nobleman. In despair and hope, she takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a man and taking a job with the kindly gaoler Rocco. As Fidelio – the faithful one – her hard work earns Rocco’s respect, not to mention the affections of his daughter. Risking everything, can she rescue her husband and reclaim their lost life?

Director

Ruth Knight

Events

Upcoming events

17 - 26 Feb, 2027

Fidelio · Scottish Opera

Past events

8 - 15 Aug, 2026

La bohème · Waterperry Opera Festival

Jun 13 - Jul 19, 2025

Rodelinda · Garsington Opera

About

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