We’re thrilled to welcome If Opera back with a summer season of hidden gems and family favourites.
This year sees the return of the ever-popular Picnic Prom, and a rare chance to see Umberto Giordano’s Fedora, recently staged at The Met and La Scala. Families are invited to go down the rabbit hole with Will Todd’s jazz-infused Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Charles Court Opera bring their five-star production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved The Mikado to Belcombe. The season is performed in a purpose-built, fully covered theatre of nearly 400 seats within our grounds. It’s a special place for a special festival, right in the heart of Bradford on Avon and we’re delighted to host another year.
A quartet of acts coming to Belcombe Court
Fedora by Umberto Giordano
August 24th, 26th, 31st and September 1st
When Princess Fedora seeks revenge on the man she believes murdered her fiancé, she sets in motion a train of events that ultimately cost her everything. Moving from Russia to Paris and Switzerland, it is a world of royalty, aristocracy and privilege, none of which can protect its central characters from the vagaries of love and jealousy. An opera of sweeping melodies, febrile emotion and glorious orchestral colours Fedora includes one of the most intensely passionate tenor arias in the canon (Amor ti vieta), a mesmerising intermezzo and one of the cleverest dramatic scenes in the repertoire.
Fedora carries all the ingredients for the most powerful evenings at the theatre: strong characters, stories of intrigue, love and gorgeous lyrical music. Having recently seen a resurgence within the international opera world, this new production provides audiences with the first opportunity to see this magnificent opera in the UK since 2006.
Fedora is directed by John Wilkie with Oliver Gooch conducting the Bristol Ensemble.
For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Will Todd
August 27th at 1.30pm and 5pm
“Beg, borrow or steal a ticket for Alice in Wonderland – this show is FANTASTIC, pure life-affirming joy” (BBC Radio 3)
Rave reviews and sell-out performances have followed Will Todd’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland since it premiered in 2013. This year If Opera is delighted to produce a new version of Todd’s magical opera, first originated in Opera Holland Park and based on designs by Leslie Travers.
Todd and librettist Maggie Gottlieb have created a fabulous, inventive spin on Lewis Carroll’s iconic story that remains true to the spirit of the original. Todd’s music is a wonderful, eclectic mix of jazz, musical theatre and opera – there’s the basso profondo Caterpillar’s rumbling Wonderland Blues, a coloratura diva’s Drink Me Bottle and a furiously flustered pantomime dame of a Queen of Hearts.
Take your place at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party table before the show to enjoy your picnic next to some of Wonderland’s best-known characters. The gorgeous gardens of Belcombe Court are the perfect backdrop for this trip down the rabbit hole.
If Opera are thrilled to welcome back director Lysanne van Overbeek with Mark Austin at the helm of the Bristol Ensemble.
For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com
The Picnic Prom
Jason Rebello with Joy Rose & The Coalminers
August 28th
Spend a perfect summer’s evening listening to sublime music whilst picnicking in the stunning setting of Belcombe Court. This year we have two fantastic headliners, jazz piano legend Jason Rebello (Wayne Shorter, Sting, Jeff Beck), joined by remarkable vocalist Joy Rose (Incognito, Billy Ocean) performing original songs and old standards, from Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Cole Porter. And a climactic set from The Coalminers, a 7-piece band bringing New Orleans rhythm and soul alive, playing songs from Professor Longhair to Allen Toussaint, Mardi Gras parade anthems and ‘swampy funk’.
Spend a relaxing evening with friends in this fabulous garden of delights; visit the Scout and Sage Gin bar and enjoy serendipitous musical moments as you explore the various nooks around the glorious grounds.
For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com
The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan
Presented by Charles Court Opera
August 29th & 30th
“From the opening explosion of energy this is a show that knows where it’s heading, and that’s to five-star heaven. Inventive on top of original wrapped in outrageous.” What’s On Stage
If Opera are delighted to welcome back Charles Court Opera – “The masters of G&S in small spaces” with their stylishly intimate 5 star London production of the most loved of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic masterpieces, The Mikado, as part of their summer tour.
Behind closed doors at the British Consulate in the town of Titipu, Japan, the scheming, slippery Lord High Executioner is about to hatch one plot too far, with far-reaching and hilarious consequences for everyone involved, especially when the Mikado himself arrives…Containing familiar songs including “A wandering minstrel, I”, ”I’ve got a little list” and “Three little maids from school”, this punchy and hilarious satire promises to be a treat for operetta lovers and newcomers alike.
The production is directed by John Savournin alongside the National Festival Orchestra.
For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com
Explore more.
