40444 wgh opera season brochure 2021

Book Now on www.westgreenhouseopera.co.uk or call 01252 848676

The picture on the outside cover is an illustration of our newTheatre designed by Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios.


Welcome to West Green House Opera's2021 Season.

Our dedicated artists and directors willreturn to us to perform our greatlyanticipated programme, so sadly put onhold this year, as we all coped with thepandemic that has swept the world.

It will still be a week of firsts, with newdirectors, orchestras and an expandedprogramme.

Tchaikovsky’s “EUGENE ONEGIN” haslong been on our wish list to perform andwe are delighted that such a noteddirector as Johnny Ramster will direct. TheRussian specialist Lada Valesova willconduct our orchestra for the first time.Besides its beautiful music, dance isintegral to this opera and so ballet comesto our stage. Another first!

Long ignored and nearly forgotten untilrecently, Puccini's light and lustrous “LARONDINE” (The Swallow) is a re-discovered gem. Under the direction ofRichard Studer with Jonathan Lynessconducting (our wonderful nearly in-houseteam who have been with us since theopera's inception in 1990) have created awhimsical and witty production.

Set in Paris at the time of La Belle Epoch,is the Lerner and Loewe musical of“GIGI”, which will be performed “InConcert” under the direction of

Christopher Luscombe, a director we havelonged to welcome to West Green HouseOpera.

Then we are thrilled that the magnificentChapel Choir of Winchester College willsupport soloists from “The Sixteen”,Kirsty Hopkins and Mark Dobell, inbringing for the first time HowardGoodall’s ”INVICTUS: A PASSION” to ourstage. This piece is fifty-five minutes longand will be the principal piece in a fullevening of wonderful choral music.

The informal Sunday Lunchtime Concertsby the lake, when our principal artistsperform their favourite songs, are joinedthis year by a new Saturday Show devisedfor us by Tom Lowe and which features acompilation of the arias we all love,inspired by the adventures of Phileas Fogg.

You will be pleased to learn the initialstages of our project to build our ownOpera House nestled in new gardens, hascommenced. The Design Team has beenassembled for us by Dr Michael Forsythand Dr Marion Harney of Bath University.

Our outline plans for the new theatrewere submitted to Hart Council in Marchthe week before the 2020 NationalLockdown occurred, however, ourarchitect Peter Clegg is now in discussionswith the Council and by Opera time inJuly 2021 we hope to be able to sharesome very positive news with you all.

Green TheatreSaturday 24th July Sunday 25th July7pm

Composer: Giacomo PucciniLibretto: Giuseppe AdamiDirector/Designer: Richard StuderConductor: Jonathan LynessWest Green House Orchestra

An opera in three Acts Sung in ItalianSurtitles

La Rondine was commissioned bythe Karlstheatre, Vienna to be anoperetta but Puccini counteredand delivered instead a comicopera in 1913.

The event of World War 1 causedthe premiere to be transferred toMonte Carlo where it was initiallysuccessful, but was thendenounced by the French Press asan “enemy opera“ and closed. Ithas only been in recent years thatthis “gem“, as Puccini described it,has been rediscovered.

Set against the glamour of earlytwentieth century Paris, the scoreis influenced by the times’ populardance rhythms. The elegant


LA RONDINE Magda and her lover dance to afoxtrot and the rhythms of thewaltz, the polka and the tango areall interwoven into Puccini’ssoaring melodies.

This work is sometimes likened toLa Traviata for it is again a lovestory between a lady with a pastand a young, innocent man. HereMagda knows this love isunsuitable so like the Swallow (LaRondine) she flies away.

Ticket prices: Saturday July 24th - £160 / £120 / £95 / £75 Sunday July 25th - £140 / £120 / £95 / £75

Interval Dining 85 Minutes


EUGENE ONEGIN

This opera’s beautiful music, verymuch based on Russian folkmelodies and its enchanting dancescenes, is a work we have longwished to stage at West GreenHouse.

Ticket prices: Saturday July 31st - £160 / £120 / £95 / £75 Sunday August 1st - £140 / £120 / £95 / £75

Interval dining 85 minutes

Green TheatreSaturday 31st July Sunday 1st August7pm

Composer: Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyLibrettist: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskybased on a story by AlexanderPushkinDirector: Johnny RamsterDesigner: Richard StuderConductor: Lada ValesovaWest Green House Orchestra

An opera in three Acts Sung in RussianSurtitles

This is Tchaikovsky’s best lovedopera; a journey from what couldhave been to what might havebeen.

We meet a young Tatyana quietlyliving in the country, till thedashing Onegin arrives, coldlyrejecting her young love.

Years later a sad and depressedOnegin again meets Tatyana, nowmarried and part of the RussianImperial Court; only this time it isshe who rejects him.


Green TheatreFriday 23rd July7pm

Composer: Howard GoodallDirector: Howard Ionascu

In what is to be a major productionfor West Green House Opera,Howard Goodall’s emotionallycharged Choral/Orchestral work,‘Invictus: a Passion’, comes to usunder the direction of HowardIonascu with the fifty voices of TheChapel Choir of WinchesterCollege.

With soloists from “The Sixteen”,Kirsty Hopkins and Mark Dobelland a Chamber Orchestra, this

work addresses the universalmessages contained in one of themost powerful religious stories.

‘Invictus’ will be the principal workin this evening’s programme ofchoral music.

Howard Goodall is one of Britain’sbest known composers of choralmusic but we also know him for hisTV and film scores, especially suchshows as “The Vicar of Dibley”,“QI”, “Mr Bean” and “Blackadder“.

Ticket prices:Friday July 23rd £75 / £65 / £55

Please note: There will not be a long dininginterval but a short 20-minute interval.

INVICTUS: A PASSION


Green TheatreFriday 30th July7pm

Composer: Frederick LoeweBook and Lyrics: Alan Jay LernerBased on a novella by ColetteDirector: Christopher LuscombeConductor: Anthony KrausOrchestra: The BritishPhilharmonic Concert Orchestra

‘Gigi’ is about a scandalousromantic young love but it is also ahard look at the business realitiesof life.

The young Gigi is being trained inthe family business to become askilled high society courtesan thatcan choose the perfect cigar orjudge a genuine gem. But is thisthe life for her? A family friend,the older but rich and handsomeboulevardier Gaston, finds thatGigi is the only “non boring”woman he knows!

Set in the decadent but elegant1900’s Paris, this all-time favouritemusical is filled with such beloved

tunes as the effervescent “TheNight They Invented Champagne”,the romantic “Gigi”, the nostalgic“Ah, I Remember It Well“ and theclassic “Thank Heaven For LittleGirls.”

Ticket prices:Friday, 30th July £85 / £75 / £65

Interval dining 85 minutes

GIGI IN CONCERT


Saturday 24th July Saturday 31st July12 noon (the gardens close at 4pm)

Based on Phileas Fogg’s epicjourney, we are delighted topresent a rollicking hour of opera,operetta and song from across theglobe.

We begin in Paris with a song atMaxim’s, then on to Japan withPuccini, Kurt Weill's Berlin andmany more destinations formusical bon-bons sung by SimoneIbbett-Brown, a singer we are so

AROUND THE WORLD IN 18 ARIAS

pleased to welcome to WestGreen and Tom Lowe a favouriteon our Opera stage.

It’s a show that will appeal to theseasoned opera lover and thenovice alike.

Do bring a picnic to enjoy by thelake after the show, or you maycare to pre-book a West Greenpicnic.

Ticket prices:£35 adults / £15 children

Photo credit: Robert Day


The Lakeside PavillionSunday 25th JulySunday 1st August12 noon (the gardens close at 4pm)

From 11am when the Gardenopens bring the family and a picnicand choose a lovely spot by theLake for the start of a very happyday!

At 12 noon the music commencesand we invite you to join us in theLakeside Pavilion for an hour longconcert in the company of some ofthe principals from this season’sWest Green House Opera (twosingers each Sunday) as theypresent a concert of their favouritemusic from opera to musicals,accompanied by a guest pianist.

There is no better way to spend arelaxed and informal Sunday in thisglorious Garden setting and tointroduce the younger members ofthe family to the music we all love.

Ticket prices:£35 adults / £15 children

THE LUNCHTIME PROMS


YOUR WEST GREEN HOUSEOPERA EXPERIENCEALL PERFORMANCES AREUNDERCOVER

• Arriving and ParkingWe have a large car park adjacent tothe garden with level paths into thegarden. Our “Opera Angels” will be onhand to assist anyone with mobilitydifficulties and to bring you and yourpicnics to the Lakeside for a beautifulevening of music and dining.

• Dress CodeOur preferred dress code for eveningperformances is Black Tie. The dresscode for daytime events is SmartCasual.

BEFORE THE OPERA

• Traditional Afternoon Tea is availablefor pre-booking to be served at 5pm.Please call 01252 844611 to book.

• Fizz by the lake - There is time to enjoya glass of fizz and stroll around the fourwalled gardens at West Green House, avisitor attraction in their own right andregarded as one of England’s finest.

• Discover the gardens - You may wishto stroll further and discover theclassical gardens with follies andchinoiserie bridges that follow the lakeor see the greenhouses bursting withflowers.

• Toilets are located in the AliceCourtyard, in the Lakefield and behindthe Orangery near the Theatre.

PERFORMANCES COMMENCE

La Rondine 7pmEugene Onegin 7pmGigi in concert 7pmInvictus: a Passion 7pm

THEATRES

There are two theatres, The GreenTheatre – seating 400 and The LakesidePavilion – seating 150.

INTERVAL DINING

• The West Green House Opera Picnicoffers three delicious courses, freshlyprepared by our West Green Housechefs, ready for your collection. For thefull menu, visitwww.westgreenhouseopera.co.uk. Tobook please call 01252 844611.

• Bring your own Picnic All ticket holdersare welcome to bring their own picnicsinto the Gardens and find a pretty spotin which to enjoy them.

UNDERCOVER SEATING FOR PICNICS

• Waterside Pavilion – This is a sharedundercover space situated by the lake.Bring your own picnic or order a WestGreen House Opera Picnic. Tables forup to 6.

• Raj Tents – For a very personal, privateparty, why not book a Lakeside table forup to ten under a chandelier-lit RajTent? If the weather is inclement, yourparty will be seated in the flower-filledgreenhouse.


• Greenhouse – For larger parties whostill wish to dine amongst the flowers.

• Orangery – Newly restored.

FINE DINING

Fine dining is offered on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday evenings in our lovelyLakefield Pavilion. Using the best locallysourced produce and presented with flairby Vanilla Catering, pre-book your two orthree course meals to enjoy during thelong interval of your chosen performance.For full details please contact Vanilla on01489 589275.

ARIA CLUB

If you are a solo opera enthusiast, ormaybe a curious first timer, why not joinother “soloists” and enjoy the warmest ofwelcomes to West Green House Opera?Your visit begins with a personal welcomeat our Box Office before being escortedto the Aria Club Table situated in a RajTent to enjoy a glass of Bubbles. A WestGreen House Picnic is included in theticket price, together with one of our fullSeason Programmes as well as your ticketto your chosen performance. You don’tneed to bring anything else – we willprovide tables, chairs, water, cutlery andglasses. Aria Club tickets are available forall performances of La Rondine, EugeneOnegin, Gigi in Concert and Invictus: aPassion. Tickets cost £160 for La Rondineand Eugene Onegin and £110 for Gigi inConcert and Invictus: a Passion. PriceIncludes fizz on arrival, a three courseWest Green House Picnic, a full seasonProgramme and the best available ticketto any performance of your choice. Allbookings are handled personally by theOpera Office on 01252 848676.

BOOKING DATES FOR 2021

Priority BookingPatrons – 2nd November 2020 to 30th November 2020Friends – 1st December 2020 to 5th January 2021

General Booking – 6th January 2021.

Students (under 25) – 12th July 2021.Opera is amongst the most expensive artform needing large orchestras and highlytrained singers and chorus, costumes, setsand stage staff. We wish to bring thisunforgetable experience to the nextgeneration so from 12th July if you areunder 25, phone and book tickets for £25for the performance of your choice.

Tickets will be processed in order ofreceipt and posted within two weeks ofbooking.

Refunds and Exchanges – Tickets willonly be refunded, shared or exchanged inexceptional circumstances. If an exchangeor alteration is agreed it will be subject toa £10 handling charge.

COVID-19 STATEMENT

Like everyone in the field of theperforming arts, we are carefullymonitoring the COVID-19 situation andwill take all possible measures nextsummer to ensure the safety of audiences,performers and staff in line with PublicHealth England’s guidance. Our seatingarrangements and programme may bemodified to adhere to the most currentgovernment guidelines in place in 2021.


GREEN THEATRE PRICESLA RONDINE AND EUGENE ONEGIN

STAGE

3 4 5 6

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1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

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Performances will take place in the Green Theatre in the meadow. This is a fully coveredstructure with raked and numbered seats, offering good sightlines from all areas.

Saturday 24th July and Saturday 31st July seats are priced as follows

Sunday 25th July and Sunday 1st August seats are priced as follows

£160 £120 £95 £75

£140 £120 £95 £75


Performances will take place in the Green Theatre in the meadow. This is a fully coveredstructure with raked and numbered seats, offering good sightlines from all areas.

Friday 23rd July seats are priced as follows

Friday 30th July seats are priced as follows

GREEN THEATRE PRICESGIGI IN CONCERT AND INVICTUS: A PASSION

STAGE

3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

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16 17 18 19 20 211 2 3 4 5 6

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£75 £65 £55

£85 £75 £65


GARDEN MAP


AFTER THE PERFORMANCEThe after-show spectacular – followingthe performance, the gardens aremagnificently lit to become a show intheir own right. Please do allow time toenjoy our “extra performance” beforeheading home. The lighting is designedeach year by Neil Daykin and his team,turning the lake, fountains and gardensinto a glittering illuminated wonderland.There is also time for a final hot coffeeor fizz before our gardens shut at 11pm.

SUPPORT USWest Green House Opera aims to presentopera of the highest standards in the intimatesurroundings of one of England’s finest manorhouse gardens. We are committed toshowcasing and encouraging emerging musicaltalent alongside established performers,directors and conductors.

West Green House Opera receives no fundingfrom the government so we rely on ticketrevenue and the generosity of our Patrons andFriends. During the past year, we re-launchedthe membership programme and are offering anumber of exciting opportunities to join theWest Green House Opera family.

The Friends Scheme is an ideal way tobecome involved with West Green. For as littleas £100 annually, Friends receive PriorityBooking before the general public as well asFriends communications and advance notice ofan exciting array of events at West GreenHouse.

The Patrons Scheme: with annual membershipstarting at just £250, our Patrons enjoy PriorityBooking from November each year as well asPatrons events and a membership office tohandle your bookings and enquiries in person.

The Abbott Circle comprises a special group ofsupporters who each year generously contributeto our work. Members enjoy a tailoredrelationship with West Green House Opera,such as being closely involved in our work withemerging artists and our productions.

Membership support has always been a crucialpart of our success and we need it now morethan ever if we are to continue to grow anddevelop West Green House Opera. Please joinour family!

For more details on supporting our work, pleasecontact us on 01252 848676, by [email protected] orwww.westgreenhouseopera.co.uk/support

www.westgreenhouseopera.co.uk

West Green HouseThackhams LaneHartley WintneyHantsRG27 8JB

BOX OFFICE 01252 848676

40444 wgh opera season brochure 2021

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