Waterperry Opera Festival has returned to the Waterperry Gardens this summer. Daily Info sat down with the team to discuss what they've got in store this festival and how to introduce yourself to opera at the festival.
Daily Info: What is Waterperry Opera Festival all about?
We’re serious about the music but also the engagement. Our mission is to get everybody - and not just audiences, but also young artists into opera. The way we do that is by providing the very best quality work at affordable prices. We wanted to create a new version of the opera festival and we’re more like Glastonbury than Glyndebourne, honestly.
We proactively produce an environment that’s not stuffy or elitist. Waterperry Opera Festival is a place where people can be themselves and engage with some of the best singers and music in the world. And at the same time we provide a safe space for emerging talent to blossom.
We hope that a trip to Waterperry Opera Festival makes for a wonderful day out. You can bring a picnic and really make a day of it, surrounded by the stunning gardens. Our ten day festival is packed full of fun for families and audiences of all ages. Everyone is welcome and you’ll have a super time!
DI: What can audiences expect from this year's festival?
This year’s festival is looking like our best yet! There really is something for everyone. On our main stage, we have our unmissable headline opera, The Barber of Seville and the haunting Turn of the Screw in our beautiful amphitheatre. For families, there’s the charming Peter and Wolf, plus Dove’s Nights Not Spend Alone, Mozart and Mendelssohn’s Serenades and finally our gala concern, Last Night at the Opera.
Don’t forget to stop by for our workshops and Come and Sing, where you get to have a turn! The weather has been perfect so far and audiences are having a wonderful time, enjoying the beautiful gardens and a range of musical delights.
DI: What are some of the highlights from this year's line-up?
My personal highlight is Britten’s gripping operatic masterpiece of The Turn of the Screw, directed by Rebecca Meltzer. Our opening night saw a captivated audience on the edge of their seat, spellbound by the haunting tale of supernatural mystery and psychological drama. It’s a gripping story of suspense and the intimate amphitheatre stage is the perfect setting for it, especially as the night draws in and you begin to feel an eerie chill.
DI: How's it best to approach opera for novices? What tips do you have to help foster a love of it?
Honestly, it’s about coming with an open mind, enjoying the story telling and knowing that all are welcome. We pride ourselves on innovative, immersive productions and engaging, participatory events so everyone can get involved. Our work is high-quality, but also socially relevant and accessible, being sung in English. There’s a lovely quote from The Telegraph about us, that says Waterperry Opera Festival 'proves that opera does not have to be grand to be successful'. I think that sums it up nicely. How could you not enjoy wonderful music floating around the stunning gardens of Waterperry?
DI: Waterperry Gardens are a beautiful part of Oxfordshire. How does the festival use the venue for the performances?
We have shows all over the house and gardens. We use the amphitheatre, the ballroom, the garden glades and the glorious facade of Waterperry House provides the backdrop for our headline event. The venue are such gracious hosts and let us practically take over for 10 days so we are very fortunate. The best gardens in all of opera!
DI: Can you sum the festival up in three words?
Just three words is a challenge! Let's see... Scintillating, summer fun!
Waterperry Opera Festival runs until Sunday 18th August at the Waterperry Gardens, and more details can be found here.