Director

Fugitive ghosts and a bitter feud between two families form the background to Donizetti’s mesmerising Gothic tale of madness and forced marriage.

Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (at Opera Holland Park)

Opera Holland Park

### Event Description: Opera Holland Park - Rossini's The Barber of Seville

#### Event Overview
Join us for a delightful evening of operatic comedy with Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" at Opera Holland Park. This sparkling comedy of intrigue is told with style and panache, featuring Figaro the barber as he turns puppet-master to prevent Rosina’s wedding to her elderly guardian, Doctor Bartolo, and instead, secure her match with the young Count Almaviva. Disguises and deceptions abound as the course of true love hits the rocks, all set to Rossini’s brilliantly inventive arias and ensembles that fizz at lightning speed.

#### Key Details
- **Dates:** 
  - Friday, 14 June 2024, 7:30 PM
  - Sunday, 16 June 2024, 7:30 PM
  - Wednesday, 19 June 2024, 7:30 PM
  - Friday, 21 June 2024, 7:30 PM
- **Location:** Opera Holland Park
- **Ticket Price:** £24 - £175 (plus booking fee)

#### Cast and Production Team
- **Figaro:** Paul Grant
- **Almaviva:** Elgan Llŷr Thomas
- **Rosina:** Heather Lowe
- **Doctor Bartolo:** Stephen Gadd
- **Berta:** Janis Kelly (making her company debut)
- **Conductor:** Charlotte Corderoy
- **Director:** Cecilia Stinton

#### Synopsis
Figaro, the clever barber, orchestrates a series of disguises and deceptions to thwart Doctor Bartolo's plans to marry his ward, Rosina. Instead, Figaro aims to unite Rosina with Count Almaviva, his former and future employer. The opera is a prequel to Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro," filled with humor, wit, and fast-paced musical brilliance.

#### Booking Information
To book your tickets, select a date from the options provided and secure your seat for an unforgettable night of operatic excellence.

#### About the Orchestra
The performance will feature the City of London Sinfonia (CLS), a chamber orchestra dedicated to the transformative power of music.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the most beloved operas in a stunning open-air setting. Book your tickets now and be part of an evening filled with laughter, love, and musical mastery.

Opera Holland Park: Rossini – The Barber of Seville

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present a new production of Gioachino Rossini's classic bel canto comedy, "The Barber of Seville," in June 2024. This sparkling comedy of intrigue, directed by Cecilia Stinton and conducted by Charlotte Corderoy, promises to be a highlight of the 2024 season, featuring a tale told with style and panache. The story follows the clever Figaro, the barber of Seville, as he becomes a puppet-master to ensure the young Count Almaviva wins the hand of Rosina, thwarting her wedding to the elderly Doctor Bartolo. The opera is renowned for its inventive arias and ensembles, offering a prequel to Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro."

Paul Grant stars in the title role, with Elgan Llŷr Thomas as Almaviva and Heather Lowe as Rosina. The cast also includes Stephen Gadd as the conniving Doctor Bartolo and operatic superstar Janis Kelly making her company debut as Bartolo’s dust-allergic housekeeper, Berta. The production features the City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus, sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Performances are scheduled for multiple dates in June, starting from the 4th, with a special Young Artist’s performance on the 14th and a Discovery Matinee on the 16th, designed to welcome newcomers to opera in a relaxed environment. Ticket prices vary by seating area, with member discounts available, and INSPIRE tickets priced at £24, subject to availability.

This event is a must-see for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a perfect blend of high art, comedy, and captivating music in the picturesque setting of Opera Holland Park.

The Barber of Seville

**Event Title:** Make 'em Laugh: On Opera and the Absurd

**Date & Time:** Tuesday, 9 April 2024, 7.00pm

**Location:** Opera Holland Park

**Event Description:**
In anticipation of the 2024 Opera Holland Park Season, join us for an enlightening panel discussion that explores the intricate themes and ideas woven into the fabric of opera. This event, titled "Make 'em Laugh: On Opera and the Absurd," promises an engaging evening that delves into the world of comic opera, from its comedic elements to its potential pitfalls.

Featuring a distinguished panel of opera professionals, including singer and director John Savournin, conductor John Andrews, director Cecilia Stinton, mezzo-soprano Clare Presland, répétiteur Fran Hills, and critic Robert Thicknesse, the discussion will be moderated by Anna Picard. Together, they will navigate through the history and evolution of comic opera, touching upon works from Rossini to Gilbert and Sullivan and Wolf-Ferrari.

This event is a perfect opportunity for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike to gain deeper insights into the operatic genre, enhancing their appreciation and enjoyment of the performances scheduled for the summer season. Whether you're drawn to the comedic aspects of opera or curious about the challenges of performing such works, this panel talk promises a comprehensive exploration of opera's lighter side.

**Booking Information:**
- Members and Supporters: Booking opens on Thursday, 14 March from 10am.
- General Booking: Opens on Friday, 15 March from 10am.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the laughter-inducing world of opera with leading creatives and experts in the field. Reserve your spot for an evening of insightful discussion and prepare to be entertained and informed in equal measure.

Make ‘em laugh!: On opera and the absurd

La Traviata

St Edward's School

**Rigoletto 2023 at Opera Holland Park**

Join us for a riveting production of Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto" this season at Opera Holland Park. This propulsive tragedy, centered on themes of toxic masculinity and unfettered power, unfolds with breathtaking speed. Witness the story of Rigoletto, a court jester, as he desperately tries to protect his daughter, Gilda, from the corrupt court of Mantua and its pleasure-seeking Duke. The opera takes a dramatic turn when Gilda falls for a young student, not knowing his true identity as the Duke in disguise. Verdi's brilliant score masterfully contrasts light-hearted seduction with the dark, stormy forces of nature and humanity.

**Event Highlights:**
- **Opening Celebrations:** Kick off the 2023 Season with us on Tuesday, 30 May, and Thursday, 1 June. Enjoy complimentary prosecco between 5.30 - 6.30 pm on both days.
- **Creative Team:** Directed by Cecilia Stinton, with Lee Reynolds as conductor, and featuring a talented cast including Stephen Gadd as Rigoletto, Alison Langer as Gilda, and Alessandro Scotto di Luzio as the Duke of Mantua.
- **Running Time:** 2 hours 45 minutes, including a 30-minute interval.
- **Special Performances:** Free prosecco from 5.30 pm on the opening nights (30 May and 1 June 2023).
- **Enhance Your Visit:** Pre-order a picnic box from Il Portico for £59 for two, offering a selection of classic Italian and modern Mediterranean dishes.

**Booking Information:**
- **Monday Rush Tickets:** Available at £40/£15. 
- **Picnic Tables:** Enhance your experience by booking a picnic table for your visit.
- **Surtitles:** Presented in Italian with English surtitles.
- **Accompaniment:** Featuring the City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus.

Described as "the most memorable of recent Rigolettos" by The Telegraph and praised for its "convention-busting production with a female gaze" by The Evening Standard, this production promises to be an unforgettable experience.

**Join Us:**
Celebrate the power of opera under the summer sky at Opera Holland Park. Book your tickets now and be part of a season that promises enchantment, drama, and the unmatched beauty of live performance.

Rigoletto 2023

**Event Title:** Pari siamo: Power and Powerlessness in Rigoletto

**Date and Time:** Wednesday, 5 April 2023, 6.30pm

**Location:** Italian Cultural Institute, 39 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8NX

**Description:** Join us for an enlightening evening at Opera Holland Park as we delve into the compelling themes of power and powerlessness in Verdi's tragic masterpiece, Rigoletto. This special event features a distinguished panel including director Cecilia Stinton, John Allison (editor of Opera magazine), and cultural historian Fay Bound Alberti, author of "This Mortal Coil: The Human Body in History and Culture." Together with Opera Holland Park’s Anna Picard, they will explore the intricate dynamics of Verdi’s propulsive tragedy. The discussion will be enriched with musical illustrations by Stephen Gadd and Fran Hills, providing a deeper understanding of the opera's enduring themes.

**Admission:** Free of charge. Reservation required.

**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:** This event is a must-attend for opera enthusiasts and those interested in the interplay of power dynamics within classic literature and performances. Don't miss this opportunity to gain unique insights into one of opera's greatest works. Reserve your spot for an evening of engaging discussion and beautiful music.

Pari siamo: power and powerlessness in Rigoletto

Italian Cultural Institute

Mozart and Da Ponte’s delicious 1790 Neapolitan comedy plays on modern ‘scientific’ fascinations with mesmerism and the exotic, characters drawn from the baroque opera buffa tradition and the volcanic rumblings of Vesuvius, all posing the question: is this love or just infatuation?

Director

Cecilia Stinton

Events

Upcoming events

May 28 - Jun 13, 2026

Così fan tutte · Opera Holland Park

Past events

Jul 18 - Aug 1, 2025

Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (at Opera Holland Park) · City of London Sinfonia

19 - 21 Jun, 2024

Opera Holland Park: Rossini – The Barber of Seville · City of London Sinfonia

About

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