Director

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present its first production of a Handel opera, "Acis and Galatea," a timeless tale of love, loss, and transformation. This enchanting work, composed in 1718 for a private performance in the gardens of the Duke of Chandos’s palace, draws inspiration from an episode in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Handel's tragicomic serenata is celebrated for its intricate depiction of the love story between the sea nymph Galatea and the shepherd Acis, set against the backdrop of nature's serene beauty, with birdsong and the sound of murmuring waters woven through the music. Their blissful union incites the wrath of the lustful cyclops, Polyphemus, leading to a dramatic climax where Acis is tragically transformed into a natural spring, symbolizing eternal love and the indomitable spirit of nature.

This production is directed by Louise Bakker, with Michael Papadopoulos, a former Opera Holland Park Young Artist and alumnus of the Royal Opera’s Jette Parker scheme, conducting. The cast features Anthony Gregory and Elizabeth Karani as the star-crossed lovers, Acis and Galatea, with South African bass-baritone Chuma Sijeqa portraying the menacing Polyphemus. The creative team includes Alyson Cummins (Designer), Johanne Jensen (Lighting Designer), and Merry Holden (Choreographer), promising a visually stunning and emotionally gripping performance.

Performances are scheduled from July 19 to August 2, 2024, with shows at 7:30 pm. Ticket prices vary, with options available for members and non-members, including special INSPIRE tickets priced at £24, subject to availability. Members can enjoy savings of up to £8 per ticket. This production also features an English libretto by John Gay, surtitles in English, and performances by the City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience Handel's miniature masterpiece in the idyllic setting of Opera Holland Park. Book your tickets now and join us for a magical evening of opera under the stars.

Acis and Galatea

Opera Holland Park

### Event Description: Opera Holland Park - Handel's Acis and Galatea

**Event Title:** Opera Holland Park: Handel - Acis and Galatea

**Dates:** Friday, 19 July 2024 - Friday, 2 August 2024

**Location:** Opera Holland Park

**Ticket Price:** £24 - £175 (plus booking fee)

**Overview:**
Experience the enchanting world of Handel's "Acis and Galatea," a tragicomic serenata composed in 1718 for a private performance in the gardens of the Duke of Chandos’s palace. Based on an episode from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, this miniature masterpiece weaves a tale of love, loss, and transformation. The music, filled with birdsong and murmuring waters, tells the story of the sea nymph Galatea and the shepherd Acis, whose love enrages the lustful cyclops, Polyphemus. When Polyphemus attacks Acis, the shepherd is transformed into a natural spring, forever united with the idyllic landscape and the tears of his beloved nymph.

**Production Team:**
- **Director:** Louise Bakker
- **Conductor:** Michael Papadopoulos (Former Opera Holland Park Young Artist and alumnus of the Royal Opera’s Jette Parker scheme)
- **Cast:**
  - **Acis:** Anthony Gregory
  - **Galatea:** Elizabeth Karani
  - **Polyphemus:** Chuma Sijeqa (South African bass-baritone)

**Performance Dates and Times:**
- **19 July 2024:** 7:30 PM
- **24 July 2024:** 7:30 PM
- **26 July 2024:** 7:30 PM
- **31 July 2024:** 7:30 PM
- **2 August 2024:** 7:30 PM

**Orchestra:** City of London Sinfonia (CLS)

**Booking Information:**
Tickets are available for purchase online. Select a date to book your tickets and immerse yourself in this timeless tale of love and transformation.

**Additional Information:**
City of London Sinfonia (CLS) is a chamber orchestra dedicated to the belief that music can change a person's relationship to the world around them. Join us for an unforgettable evening of operatic splendor at Opera Holland Park.

**Book Tickets:** [Link to booking page]

Don't miss this opportunity to witness Opera Holland Park's first production of a Handel opera, brought to life by a stellar cast and creative team. Secure your tickets now and be part of this magical experience.

Opera Holland Park: Handel – Acis and Galatea

We present a new production of Gioachino Rossini’s beloved comic opera, Il barbiere di Siviglia. Conducted by the resident conductor of Irish National Opera Elaine Kelly and directed by Louise Bakker, this production promises to delight audiences of all ages.

Louise Bakker

Director

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 8 - Jul 13, 2025

Il Barbiere Di Siviglia · Longborough Festival Opera

Past events

Jul 19 - Aug 2, 2024

Acis and Galatea · Opera Holland Park

Jul 19 - Aug 2, 2024

Opera Holland Park: Handel – Acis and Galatea · City of London Sinfonia

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