**Songs on the Steps 2024 at Opera Holland Park**

Join us for a delightful series of free lunchtime recitals at Opera Holland Park, as "Songs on the Steps" makes its much-anticipated return for the 2024 Season. This unique event invites picnickers, dog walkers, and passersby to enjoy a captivating selection of new and familiar songs and arias, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Holland Park. 

**Event Highlights:**
- **Dates:** The event runs fortnightly on Fridays, from 10 May to 2 August 2024.
- **Time:** Each recital starts at 1pm, offering forty minutes of enchanting music.
- **Location:** Steps to the theatre at Opera Holland Park.
- **No Booking Required:** Simply bring a rug or a cushion for your comfort and join us at the steps for an unforgettable musical experience in the fresh air.
- **Featuring:** Talented artists from the company will perform a range of music from the 2024 Season, ensuring each recital offers something new and exciting for all attendees.

**Performance Schedule:**
- Friday 10 May, 1pm
- Friday 24 May, 1pm
- Friday 7 June, 1pm
- Friday 21 June, 1pm
- Friday 5 July, 1pm
- Friday 19 July, 1pm
- Friday 2 August, 1pm

**Enhance Your Visit:**
Consider reserving a picnic table to complement your visit, making the most of the serene Holland Park setting while enjoying the performances.

**Related Events:**
Don't miss out on other captivating productions during the season, including operatic masterpieces and engaging performances that promise to enrich your Opera Holland Park experience.

"Songs on the Steps 2024" is a perfect opportunity to experience the joy of live music in a relaxed and picturesque setting. Whether you're a long-time opera enthusiast or just looking for a pleasant way to spend your lunch break, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer season.

Songs on the Steps 2024

Opera Holland Park

Set in the grit and glamour of late 1960s Rome, Stephen Barlow’s acclaimed 2008 production of Tosca returns to Opera Holland Park for the centenary of Puccini’s death. With the city in his grip, Scarpia meets his match with the diva Floria Tosca, who must try to prevent the execution of her lover, Mario Cavaradossi, an artist opposed to Scarpia’s politics. Taut and terrifying, Puccini’s drama contains some of his most impassioned and original music for voice and orchestra.

Tosca

**Opera Holland Park Open Day 2024**

**Date:** Sunday, 2 June 2024  
**Time:** 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM  
**Location:** Opera Holland Park Theatre, Ilchester Place, London, W8 6LU

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Opera Holland Park Open Day 2024! Dive into the world of opera with exclusive access to what happens behind the scenes at one of London's most enchanting theatres. This is your chance to explore the inner workings of Opera Holland Park and get up close with the rising stars of the opera world.

**Highlights of the Day:**

- **Full Theatre and Backstage Tours:** Get an insider's look at the theatre, from the wings to the dressing rooms, and discover where the magic happens.
- **Interactive Workshops:** Engage in a variety of workshops suitable for all ages. Whether it's stage combat, choreography, or even conducting a string quartet, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- **Costume and Make-up Discovery:** Marvel at iconic costumes from our productions and try your hand at stage make-up artistry.
- **Meet the Artists:** Mingle with the talented individuals who bring our operas to life, from performers to directors.

**Additional Information:**

- **Food and Drink:** Our theatre bars will be open, offering a full range of drinks to enjoy throughout the afternoon.
- **Tickets:** Admission is free, but space is limited. To ensure your spot, we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the passion and craft of opera production. Save the date for a fun-filled day at Opera Holland Park!

For more information and to book your tickets, visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you to an extraordinary day of discovery and inspiration at Opera Holland Park!

Opera Holland Park Open Day 2024

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

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to announce the return of the acclaimed "Opera in Song 2024" series, curated by the esteemed baritone Julien Van Mellaerts and pianist Dylan Perez. This remarkable event, now in its fourth year, promises an enriching lineup of recitals featuring both established and emerging talents in the world of opera. The series is set to unfold with three recitals, a public masterclass, and a special concert celebrating the 80th birthday of opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The series kicks off on June 20, 2024, with a masterclass led by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at 3:30 pm, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous preparation and technical prowess required for opera performance. Dame Kiri, renowned for her interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and Verdi, will share her invaluable insights and experiences with the 2024 cohort of Opera Holland Park Young Artists.

The same day at 7:30 pm, the series will host a Gala Concert in honor of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday. This special event will feature performances by alumni of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, showcasing the talents of artists such as Thomas Atkins, Julieth Lozano, Madison Nonoa, Phillip Rhodes, Madeleine Boreham, Samson Setu, and Julien Van Mellaerts, accompanied by Gary Matthewman on piano. Attendees of the gala concert will also have the opportunity to join a post-show drinks reception with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, with tickets priced at £125.

The series continues with "Ballads and Legends" on July 18, 2024, at 7:30 pm, where mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, baritone Julien Van Mellaerts, and pianist Dylan Perez will explore the theme of the sea through songs and duets. The program includes the world premiere of Oded Zehavi’s "Songs of the Sea," featuring lyrics by poets from around the globe.

On July 20, 2024, at 3:00 pm, the "Frauenliebe und -Leben" recital will take place, featuring Benjamin Appl, Harriet Burns, and Ian Tindale. This performance will delve into Robert Schumann’s song cycle, portraying the life stages of a woman through voice and piano.

The series concludes on July 21, 2024, at 6:00 pm with "Comedy and Cabaret," an evening of music, satire, and celebration led by Nicky Spence, Dylan Perez, and the Opera Holland Park Young Artists. This closing event promises a mix of familiar and peculiar pieces, including works by Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim, and more.

"Opera in Song 2024" at Opera Holland Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of opera through intimate recitals, masterclasses, and celebrations. With a blend of talent and repertoire, this series is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of opera.

Opera in Song 2024

**The Royal Ballet School 2024 at Opera Holland Park**

This June, Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present a spectacular showcase by The Royal Ballet School, featuring five mesmerizing performances that promise to be a highlight of the 2024 season. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the exceptional talent and artistry of students from one of the world's premier ballet institutions, with performers ranging in age from 11 to 19 years.

**Performance Schedule:**
- Wednesday, 26 June at 7:00 PM
- Thursday, 27 June at 7:00 PM
- Friday, 28 June at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, 29 June at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

The program begins with excerpts from Petipa’s "Paquita," followed by two works by The Royal Ballet’s Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton: the pas de deux from "Rhapsody" and "La Valse." Additionally, audiences will be treated to "Concerto Grosso" by Helgi Tómasson and Didy Veldman’s playful "TooT," along with Jerome Robbins’ satirical "Mistake Waltz" and new works by Gemma Bond and Ashley Page. School alumnus and First Artist of The Royal Ballet, Joshua Junker, will also stage his piece "Remembrance," originally choreographed for the Dutch National Ballet Junior Company in 2023.

**Ticket Information:**
Tickets are available in various bands, with prices ranging from £35 to £70. Special INSPIRE tickets are available at £24, subject to availability. Members can save up to £8 on every ticket. Availability varies by performance, with some bands already sold out or having only a few tickets left.

Don't miss this rare chance to glimpse the future stars of ballet as they showcase the skills they are honing at The Royal Ballet School. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable evening at Opera Holland Park.

The Royal Ballet School 2024

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 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 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 is thrilled to announce the return of the enchanting family adventure, "Peter and the Wolf," to its stage in July 2024. After sell-out performances in 2021 and 2022, this production by Waterperry Opera Festival continues to captivate audiences with Sergei Prokofiev's timeless music. The show is designed to introduce children to classical music and instruments through a blend of vibrant storytelling, dance, and spoken word, making it an extraordinary musical odyssey for the whole family.

Performances are scheduled for Sunday, 21st July, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, promising an unforgettable experience that sparks imagination and joy. This interactive show, lasting 30 minutes, is perfectly tailored for little ones aged 0 and up, ensuring an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of opera and classical music.

In addition to the performances at Opera Holland Park, the production will also be featured at the Waterperry Opera Festival on the 10th, 11th, and 17th of August, offering more opportunities to catch this magical experience.

Booking for "Peter and the Wolf" opens on Wednesday, 6th March. Members of Opera Holland Park can access priority booking and enjoy savings of up to £8 on every ticket, making it an ideal time to become a member and enjoy the benefits.

Don't miss this chance to share an unforgettable musical journey with your family at Opera Holland Park this summer.

Peter and the Wolf

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.

Opera Holland Park

May 5 - Aug 2, 2024

Songs on the Steps 2024

May 28 - Jun 22, 2024

Tosca

Jun 2, 2024

Opera Holland Park Open Day 2024

4 - 21 Jun, 2024

The Barber of Seville

Jun 20 - Jul 21, 2024

Opera in Song 2024

Opera Holland Park

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