F E S T I VA L FOU N DE R S F E S T I VA L F R I E N DS

As we raise the curtain on a new chapter in the life of The Grange with a new company, a new name and a new approach, we welcome friends both old and new. We will build on the triumphs of the past and aim to emulate as well as surpass them.

A visit to The Grange is unique. We want to encourage many more to share that magical experience. We will preserve the quixotic charm and open wider artistic horizons.

Our first season has much to offer. It presents four very different operas: one of the oldest, two of the most famous and one of the funniest. International in the reach of the performers, celebratory of the theatre at The Grange and the cultural legacy of the building, each production will entertain, thrill and delight you, and be very different from each other. The sounds, the sights and the telling of emotional stories, tragic, epic and comic will touch you profoundly.

Come and be part of our first season, and see the work of some of the brightest talents in one of England’s most special opera houses. We want to ensure that every aspect of your visit is a treat, and every note performed a revelation. It promises to be a season not to be missed.

Michael Chance

Artistic Director

“ Welcome to all the pleasures

that delight, of every sense,

the grateful appetite”

W E L COM E

1

PE R FOR M A NCE DAT E S  | 2017

Date Start Performance Finish

WED 7 JUN 5:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 9:40 PM

FRI 9 JUN 5:00 PM COSÌ FAN T UT T E 9:55 PM

SAT 10 JUN 4:00 PM COSÌ FAN T UT T E 8:55 PM

SUN 11 JUN 4:00 PM CAR MEN 8:25 PM

THU 15 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

FRI 16 JUN 5:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 9:40 PM

SAT 17 JUN 4:00 PM CAR MEN 8:25 PM

SUN 18 JUN 4:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 8:40 PM

FRI 23 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

SAT 24 JUN 4:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 8:40 PM

SUN 25 JUN 4:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 8:10 PM

WED 28 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

THU 29 JUN 5:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 9:10 PM

FRI 30 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

SAT 1 JUL 4:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 8:10 PM

SUN 2 JUL 4:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 8:40 PM

FRI 7 JUL 5:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 9:10 PM

SAT 8 JUL 4:00 PM CAR MEN 8:25 PM

SUN 9 JUL 4:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 8:10 PM

3

I L R I TOR NO D’U L IS SE I N PAT R I ACL AU DIO MON T E V E R DI

A Tale of Unwavering Love

Musical Director Michael Chance Director Tim Supple Designer Sumant Jayakrishnan Lighting Design Jackie Shemesh

Date Start Performance Finish

WED 7 JUN 5:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 9:40 PM

FRI 16 JUN 5:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 9:40 PM

SUN 18 JUN 4:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 8:40 PM

SAT 24 JUN 4:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 8:40 PM

SUN 2 JUL 4:00 PM IL R ITOR NO D’U LISSE IN PAT R I A 8:40 PM

4

To mark the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth, the Grange Festival’s artistic director Michael Chance, stage director Tim Supple and designer Sumant Jayakrishnan join forces to create a visually arresting production of Monteverdi’s Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria.

The thrilling and deeply moving last episodes of Homer’s Odyssey form the story of Claudio Monteverdi’s last and most powerful opera. The weary but always wily Ulysses (Odysseus) is washed up on a rocky shore. It turns out to be his home island Ithaca. With the help of his guardian goddess Minerva, his old shepherd, and his son, he plots and enacts the massacre of the hordes of greedy suitors besieging his wife Penelope and her court.

Her constancy, determination and skill have helped fight them off for nearly twenty years. The final reconciliation of husband and wife is presented with heart-wringing majesty.

With a team of specialist instrumentalists accompanying, played on the new stage thrust, a touch of The Globe comes to The Grange. This is music drama writ immediate and visceral. An exotic sound world, memorable tunes, fast-paced story-telling and dramatic intensity worthy of Shakespeare make this opera truly great.

5

CO SÌ FA N T U T T EWOL FGA NG A M A DE US MOZ A RT

The Bet You Wish You’d Never Made

Conductor Teodor Currentzis Orchestra Musica Aeterna Company Perm Opera

Date Start Performance Finish

FRI 9 JUN 5:00 PM COSÌ FAN T UT T E 9:55 PM

SAT 10 JUN 4:00 PM COSÌ FAN T UT T E 8:55 PM

“…one of those rare artists capable of shifting the ground of his chosen art,

and pulling off something extraordinary – perhaps even miraculous”

Teodor Currentzis

6

In a stroke of fortune for The Grange Festival, dynamic Greek conductor Teodor Currentzis and his company Musica Aeterna from Perm in Russia bring their unique interpretation of Mozart’s beloved Così fan tutte. Their recordings of the Mozart/Da Ponte operas have been essential listening in challenging so many preconceptions about these masterpieces. They have won every international award imaginable. These performances at The Grange will be unmissable for lovers of Mozart, beautiful singing and brilliant live performance.

The two performances will be in concert form, but losing none of the fun, beauty and intrigue of a full production. The international cast of singers are all regular in this company.

How well do you know your partner? When Ferrando and Guglielmo place a casual bet that their girlfriends would never betray them, little do they imagine that they could be gambling away their dreams of living happily ever after.

The tension between the playfulness of Da Ponte’s comic text with the inexpressible longing of Mozart’s music opens a window to both the minds and the hearts of the protagonists. Laughter and tears, ridicule and sympathy all powerfully co-exist in this sublime comedy of manners.

7

CA R M E NG E ORG E S B I Z E T

The Woman He Couldn’t Resist

Conductor Jean-Luc Tingaud Director Annabel Arden Designer Joanna Parker Lighting Design Peter Mumford Video Designer Dick Straker

Date Start Performance Finish

SUN 11 JUN 4:00 PM CAR MEN 8:25 PM

THU 15 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

SAT 17 JUN 4:00 PM CAR MEN 8:25 PM

FRI 23 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

WED 28 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

FRI 30 JUN 5:00 PM CAR MEN 9:25 PM

SAT 8 JUL 4:00 PM CAR MEN 8:25 PM

8

Annabel Arden and Joanna Parker are the distinctive director/designer team behind Glyndebourne’s sophisticated new Barber of Seville and Café Kafka for The Royal Opera House. Annabel brings together the same team that produced Opera North’s critically acclaimed Andrea Chénier “…exerts irresistible visceral power… a thrilling evening that richly deserved its enthusiastic reception” to create a fiery new Carmen for The Grange Festival with one of the leading French conductors of his generation, Jean-Luc Tingaud.

Carmen the opera and Carmen the woman are both full of contradiction and paradox, but Bizet’s music conspires to carry us on a wave of energy which allows the questions to remain in play right to the very end. Carmen says she was born free and will die free, and in that sense she triumphs in the face of a world which is essentially hostile to her very existence… it is a tragedy which is full of playfulness, joie-de-vivre and wit. Is Carmen calculated or helpless in her mesmerising power? Is Don José a cold-blooded killer or an infatuated child? Are Escamillo and Micaëla victims or witnesses to these tragic events? Recreating Carmen always presents tantalising choices. Bizet’s scintillating music gets under your skin and brings you to the heart of this terrible irresistible story.

9

A L B E RT H E R R I NGB E N JA M I N B R I T T E N

‘The Greatest Comic Opera of the Century’

Conductor Steuart Bedford Director John Copley Set Designer Tim Reed Costume Designer Prue Handley Lighting Design Kevin Treacy

Date Start Performance Finish

SUN 25 JUN 4:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 8:10 PM

THU 29 JUN 5:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 9:10 PM

SAT 1 JUL 4:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 8:10 PM

FRI 7 JUL 5:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 9:10 PM

SUN 9 JUL 4:00 PM ALBERT HER R ING 8:10 PM

10

Two of the most distinguished and revered personalities in British opera, the legendary director John Copley and the conductor Steuart Bedford, combine to create a new production of Benjamin Britten’s hilarious but also revolutionary comic masterpiece Albert Herring. This is one of Britten’s most daring scores, presaging the social upheavals of the 50s and 60s. Albert is not an angry young man, but in this opera he discovers how to free himself from convention, taboo and obligation. He loses his virginity and discovers the delights and headache of binge-drinking! The only virgin in the village breaks free, and does so in uproarious style. Described by the famous Russian pianist, Sviatoslav Richter, as ‘the greatest comic opera of the century’ this opera has repeatedly entertained and delighted audiences since its first performance in 1947. A comic masterpiece with words by Eric Crozier, which are so witty that they could be a play in their own right, this hilarious opera by one of Britain’s greatest composers cannot fail to keep you on the edge of your seat and laughing out loud. With a cast of familiar faces and a showcase for young rising stars, these performances will celebrate the best of British opera.

11

T H E G R A N G E F E S T I VA L

Your visit starts with a new entrance to the park. The newly surfaced road leads down the Lime Avenue recreating the original historic driveway to the house. No more potholes for the liveried limos or sports cars to negotiate. You will be met as you park with offers to guide you or carry your hamper, before you stroll across the oval lawn to the champagne bar floating over the steps to the colonnade. As you sip, your eye will be drawn to the view over the freshly revealed lake and will be just the start of a magical evening.

The lame, infirm or late of arrival can catch a lift on a golf buggy to the newly landscaped south side of The Grange, which opens up more Arcadian parkland for strolling and picnicking. You can dine in private in smaller elegant tents on the upper terrace, or mingle with your fellow opera goers in the new marquee, conveniently located next to the car park, with stunning views over the lake. For the first time, you will be invited to walk down to the lakeside.

All photography of The Grange by Joe Low 13

Fine dining in the house prepared by a star chef will continue to be served in the four newly decorated rooms. And we offer a special patrons’ table on the first floor for an exceptional private tailor-made dinner for up to 20. If none of these delights is quite right for you, there will also be a slightly more informal option of a picnic, prepared and served in situ. On the west side, a further choice will be available in the form of an oyster and champagne bar. Spoil yourself with canapés or afternoon tea before the opera starts, waiter service menu in the interval, or drinks after the show under the stars, all offered under a specially commissioned sculpted tent.

Travel to the Grange will never have been easier and is conveniently served by road just off the fully re-opened M3 or A31, or by train to Basingstoke, where we will meet you (and return you) in The Festival Express.

Has your appetite been well and truly whetted? Are you absolutely dying to come? Please sign up now and become a Festival Founder or a Festival Friend, and help sustain the greatest art form in one of England’s operatic jewels.

15

FOR T H E LOV E OF OPE RA AT T H E GRANG EYou can express your love of opera or just your desire for a memorable day out at The Grange in three ways. You can be a pioneer in helping us launch by making a generous donation as a Festival Founder. You can become an annual Festival Friend. Or you can simply buy a ticket. Each of these makes you part of a special family in providing support for us to engage international artists, the best of British, and nurture young talent, and to be brave, bold and ambitious.

We have a menu of delights from which to choose. The Festival Founders are the foundation of the festival at The Grange on which we can create a new vision. We are overwhelmed by the extraordinary response to our Founders’ appeal and with only a few places remaining you will have to be quick to secure your place in this latest chapter in the history of this amazing place.

Our annual Friends are the building blocks that make the festival great. Every year the Box Office covers only half the cost, so our friends bridge the gap and allow us to realise our dreams in creating world class opera fit to grace the glorious setting that is The Grange. Your money, in whatever category it comes, is all we have. Please join up today. Continue reading to learn how. We will be profoundly grateful.

17

F E S T I VA L FOU N DE R SThe Festival Founders are essential to securing the brightest of futures for our theatre as we embark on this new artistic adventure. It is a unique opportunity to become a fundamental part of establishing this new, creative opera company.

SAMWELL FOUNDERIn 1665 Robert Samwell is commissioned to design the original red brick mansion. £100,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £55,000)

WILKINS FOUNDERc1804 William Wilkins turns the 17th century house in to a Greek Temple. £50,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £27,500)

COCKERELL FOUNDERc1823 Charles Cockerell builds the Orangery as a Greek Temple. £25,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £13,750)

SMIRKE FOUNDER1819 Greek Revival architect Robert Smirke designs what is now the link between the house and the Orangery. £10,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £5,550)

COX FOUNDER1860s and 70s John Cox remodels The Grange interior and transforms the stables. £5,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £2,750)

Our Director of Development, Rachel Pearson, would welcome a conversation about these Founder levels rachel@thegrangefestival.co.uk – 07881 630123

19

F E S T I VA L F R I E N DSBecome a Friend of The Grange Festival – your support guarantees the future of this exciting new chapter of opera at The Grange. Enjoy priority booking, behind the scenes access and invitations to special events throughout the year.

THE SWEET SPOTSuggested donations from £5,000Every stage has that unique place that projects the voice perfectly and produces a quality of sound to tickle the hairs on the back of your neck.

With this major gift you will develop a bespoke and personal relationship with the company, with invitations to events throughout the year. You can target your gift by joining a production syndicate, supporting a leading role or your chosen aspect of a production.

Please contact Rachel Pearson to discuss rachel@thegrangefestival.co.uk – 07881 630123

THE LIMELIGHT£2,500Before electricity, theatres produced intense light by directing a flame at a cylinder of quicklime.

You will receive an invitation to you (and your guests) to meet the cast after your visits to The Grange, an opportunity to target your gift to support a smaller role or an aspect of a production, an opportunity to attend a closed rehearsal or audition and an invitation to all special events in Hampshire and London during the year.

20

THE PROMPT CORNER£1,000Every theatre needs one. Without this, it may not be alright on the night.

You will receive an invitation to meet the cast after every visit to The Grange, to attend a closed rehearsal and an invitation to two special events in Hampshire and London during the year.

THE ROSTRUM£500The position of power guiding orchestra and singers with a flick of the wrist.

You will receive an invitation to meet the cast after one of your visits to The Grange and to one special event in Hampshire or London.

21

THE WINGS£250It’s all happening here in the secret, silent world. Prop tables are ready, quick changes are prepared, the crew are primed, the cast are awaiting their cues.

You will receive an invitation to one special event in Hampshire or London.

THE FOOTLIGHTS £25Shine essential lights on the show from the edge of the stage.

Enjoy priority booking in February before booking opens to the public.

UNDER 35s – THE HIGH FLYERS £10Traditional scenery operators worked on the fly walks high above the stage.

Enjoy priority booking in February before booking opens to the public, access to the sponsored ticket programme for every night of the season, and receive our Friends Newsletter.

NB The above levels receive priority booking and the Friends Newsletter. All levels except The Footlights and The High Flyers receive recognition in the Festival Programme.

We want everyone to be able to experience opera at The Grange. Become a Festival Friend or a Festival Founder:

Online www.thegrangefestival.co.ukEmail info@thegrangefestival.co.ukPhone 01962 791020Post use the application form opposite

22

FESTIVAL FRIENDS APPLICATION FORM

Please complete, sign and send to The Grange Festival, Folly Hill Farm, Itchen Stoke, Alresford, SO24 9TF

NAME:

PROGRAMME LISTING: (i.e. John and Catherine Manners)

ADDRESS:

PHONE: MOBILE:

EMAIL:

DOB: / /

I would like to become a Festival Friend and enclose a cheque payable to The Grange Festival. Please select an option:

£5,000 The Sweet Spot £2,500 The Limelight £1,000 The Prompt Corner £500 The Rostrum £250 The Wings £25 The Footlights £10 The High-Flyers

If you are a UK tax payer, please help us increase your gift at no cost to yourself by completing the Gift Aid Declaration below:

I am a UK taxpayer I am not a UK taxpayer

Gift Aid Declaration for The Grange Festival Charity No 1165859. I am a UK taxpayer and would like The Grange Festival to reclaim the tax on this and all future gifts I make. I confirm that I have paid or will pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains that is at least equal to or higher than the tax that will be claimed by The Grange Festival on my donation(s). I also understand that the amount reclaimed by The Grange Festival will be 25p in every £1.00 that I give.

SIGNATURE: DATE:

DATA PROTECTION The Grange Festival adheres to the Data Protection Act (1998). We do not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes. Our full Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy can be found at www.thegrangefestival.co.uk

23

The country. But not as you know it. Try laidback luxury for size at Lime Wood.

CON TAC TThe Grange Festival, Folly Hill Farm, Itchen Stoke, Alresford SO24 9TF 01962 791020 | info@thegrangefestival.co.uk

Please invite your friends to sign up to our mailing list via our website www.thegrangefestival.co.uk