The hills are alive with the sound of music! And by “hills”, we of course mean the grounds of Waterperry Gardens, where its annual Opera Festival returns for a nine day celebration of the art of song. This year’s bill boasts adaptations of some of the medium’s best loved classics, some lesser-known performances for die-hard opera buffs and curious newbies, and some delightful family friendly options for the younger crowd; here are Daily Info’s top shows to spend the week on a high note (sorry).
1. Semele
Acting as the festival opener, Handel’s tale of the tumultuous love between Semele and Jupiter, King of the Gods, caused quite the stir when it was first performed, a far cry from the chaste biblical stories audiences were expecting at its Lent premiere. Modern audiences, however, have fallen in love with it, and no wonder - it’s got romance, passion and infinite cosmic power, a whirlwind introduction for any opera first-timers.
2. Mozart’s Serenades: Gran Partita
A bucolic soundtrack to warm summer evenings, Mozart’s Wind Serenade is the perfect, informal way to ease into the festival; settle down on the grounds, take in the view and let the honey tones of the string bass and gentle, yet complex melodies of the 12 piece wind section whisk you away. To quote Amadeus (yes, we know it’s not historically accurate, just go with it), “this was a music I'd never heard. Filled with such longing, such unfulfillable longing. It seemed to me that I was hearing the voice of God."
3. Don Giovanni
Well, we weren’t going to miss this, were we? Mozart’s irreverent and erotically charged account of the life of Don Juan is legendary, revelling in glamour, decadence and scandal; but will the Don’s dalliances come back to haunt him? Set against the stately backdrop of Waterperry House, expect high production value and even higher drama.
4. Winnie the Pooh’s Songbook
A bit of a tonal shift, for sure, but it might be a while before the kiddos are ready for Don Juan. In the meantime, though, the Hundred Acre Wood awaits, where Winnie the Pooh himself takes us on a delightfully whimsical journey through the place he calls home. Expect all your favourites to pop in to say hello - like Tigger, Piglet, and yes, even Eeyore - as A.A Milne’s beloved creations are brought to life through the delicately orchestrated ‘Hums of Pooh’.
5. A World Turned Upside Down: The Diary of Anne Frank
The astonishing first-hand account of Anne Frank’s life in hiding under Nazi occupation is paired with a moving score from Juliana Hall that enhances the timeless pathos, resolve and unwavering spirit of Frank’s words. A hauntingly beautiful musical testament to Frank’s memory and a timely reminder of fascism’s human cost.
Waterperry Opera Festival runs from the 8th - 17th August at Waterperry Gardens. The full schedule and tickets can be found on the Festival website.