Gates will open at 6pm, performance from 7pm until around 8.15pm. Final call for departures around 9.30pm.

This promises to be an enchanting evening of beautiful music, with some of the greatest hits of opera sung by exceptional young professional singers who would normally be on the stage at the world’s great opera houses. Arias, duets and ensembles from a range of operas by Handel, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and more, with a few surprises thrown in, with each scene introduced by the singers to bring you in to the story of each opera.

Please come early and bring a picnic to enjoy before, during or after the performance – hot and cold refreshments, wine and beer will also be available throughout the evening. We look forward to introducing live opera to Chiltern Open Air Museum and enriching our lives again; we’re in for a real treat!

The performers
What will set this magical evening evening apart is the sheer quality of the performers. The four singers are Jenny Stafford, Martha Jones, Richard Dowling and Alistair Ollerenshaw. These super-talented young singers have been especially chosen for their exceptional voices, technique, charisma and musicality, and their ability to connect with and delight an audience.

The chamber ensemble is comprised of some of the most eminent chamber musicians in the country. All the performers would normally be appearing in international opera houses or concert halls. We have taken this opportunity, before the large-scale music world gets back up and running, to tempt them to perform to you in wonderful surroundings at Chiltern Open Air Museum.

About Orlando Jopling
Orlando co-founded two opera companies – Tête à Tête and Stanley Hall Opera, and has spent most of his working life in opera and ballet, at the Royal Opera House in London, Garsington Opera, Scottish Opera, the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and many others. He also programmes the Roman River Festival, which takes place every year on the Essex / Suffolk borders.

The seating will be socially distanced on the village green – it is an open air event so we suggest you bring blankets, cushions and/or folding chairs. There will be some picnic tables, chairs and benches available on a first come first served basis.

While we hope the weather in June will be kind, please check the weather forecast and come prepared!

The event is subject to government restrictions.

Prices

Tickets are £25 per person
Annual Pass holders £20 per person