Grange Park Opera 2021 Falstaff
Contents
2
Performance calendar
3
Seat map
6
La Gioconda PONCHIELLI
10 Otello
VERDI
14
The Excursions of Mr Broucek
18
6
JANACEK
Der Fliegende Holländer
10 10 14
WAGNER
22
Your summer evening
24
Plan of the gardens
34 Booking dates & info 35 Where we are
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1
Performance calendar June 2022
Performance
Pricing
Thu 9
The Excursions of Mr Broucek
Tier 1
Sat 11
La Gioconda
Tier 1
Thu 16
La Gioconda
Tier 1
Sat 18
The Excursions of Mr Broucek
Tier 2
Sun 19
Otello
Tier 1
Mon 20
La Gioconda
Tier 2
Wed 22
Otello
Tier 2
Thu 23
La Gioconda
Tier 1
Sat 25
Otello
Tier 1
Sun 26
The Excursions of Mr Broucek
Tier 2
Wed 29
The Excursions of Mr Broucek
Tier 2
Thu 30
Otello
Tier 2
Sat 2
La Gioconda
Tier 1
Sun 3
Otello
Tier 1
Wed 6
Otello
Tier 2
Thu 7
The Excursions of Mr Broucek
Tier 2
Sat 9
Otello
Tier 1
Sun 10
La Gioconda
Tier 1
Wed 13
La Gioconda
Tier 2
Thu 14
Der Fliegende Holländer
Tier 1
Sat 16
Der Fliegende Holländer
Tier 1
July 2022
Seat map
ROWS M-Q
ROWS D-L ROW C ROWS A & B
Tier 1
Tier 2
Band A
£220
£195
Band B
£190
£170
Band C
£175
£145
Band D
£120
£100
Band E
£80
£80
There are 12 steps to the Stalls Circle, 26 steps to the Grand Tier, 40 steps to the Balcony. There are no lifts. Wheelchair spaces are at the Stalls (ground) level only. We ask that guests without good mobility are accompanied. Please call 01962 73 73 73 if you would like to book a wheelchair space.
The Theatre in the Woods is a “horseshoe” shape; consequently some seats have a partially restricted view of the stage and surtitles. Second row seats in Boxes 10-13 are comfortable high chairs with arms and footrest. 3
And the dreams that you dream of . . . Dreams really do come true JOYCE DI DONATO singing in The Theatre in the Woods 2019
5
PONCHIELLI
La Gioconda I sink exhausted in darkness I only ask to sleep quietly in my grave Laura’s poison . . . I’ll drink it! When he comes here tonight, I won’t see their infinite embrace GIOCONDA A STREET SINGER IN VENICE
Joseph Calleja With
7
PONCHIELLI
La Gioconda OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
JUNE Sat 11, Thu 16, Mon 20, Thu 23 JULY Sat 2, Sun 10, Wed 13
For one of the grandest of Italian grand operas, GPO welcomes back the clarion tones of Joseph Calleja, as the treacherous lover. With South African soprano Amanda Echalaz, already acclaimed at ROH and the Met, stentorian Russian bass–baritone Alexander Krasnov, Ruxandra Donose and Elisabetta Fiorillo there will be a huge amount of vocal firepower on stage for this first UK production since 2008. Luscious tunes portray most serene Venice – La Serenissima – a place preferring peace to conflict, a place of diplomacy, wealth, justice and prosperity. But under the cruel eye of the Inquisition lives a simple singer: a dutiful daughter to her blind mother. Bursting with love for her mother, her lover Enzo, and fury at his treachery, she tumbles into Venice’s bloody underworld. Verdi was king of the opera scene, and, briefly, Ponchielli’s Gioconda, toppled him. There was not a dry eye in La Scala as everyone mourned the noble tragedy of the simple singer, La Gioconda. It ran and ran.
Sung in Italian Music Amilcare Ponchielli (1834–1886) Libretto Tobia Gorrio (anagrammatic pseudonym of Arrigo Boito). Based on Angelo, Tyrant of Padua, a play in prose by Victor Hugo, 1835 First performance 8 April 1876, Teatro alla Scala, Milan UK première 31 May 1883, Covent Garden
Enzo, Genoese prince Joseph Calleja sponsor François Freyeisen & Shunichi Kubo
La Gioconda, a singer Amanda Echalaz sponsor Harry Hyman
La Cieca, her mother Elisabetta Fiorillo Alvise, leader of the Inquisition Alexander Krasnov Laura, Alvise’s wife, once betrothed Enzo Ruxandra Donose Barnaba, spy of the Inquisition David Stout sponsor Noreen Doyle
Conductor Stephen Barlow sponsor Marie & Johnny Veeder
Director Stephen Medcalf Designer Francis O’Connor Lighting Oliver Fenwick
9
VERDI
Otello
SUPPORTED BY LORD & LADY SPENCER
With
Simon Keenlyside
The voice speaks to the heart Words feed the mind Character, gesture, image fill the space of the stage That is the magic of opera 11
VERDI
Otello
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS JUNE Sun 19, Wed 22, Sat 25, Thu 30 JULY Sun 3, Wed 6, Sat 9
Verdi’s opera, based on Shakespeare’s play about the tragic Moorish general manipulated into a frenzy of paranoia by his sidekick, Iago, was an immediate success – Verdi had 20 curtain calls at the opening night. The three leading roles – Otello, Desdemona and Iago – are among the most challenging Verdi ever created. Exciting Welsh Heldentenor Gwyn Hughes Jones and Elizabeth Llewellyn as Desdemona make role debuts as Otello and Desdemona, but much of the interest will come in the baddie department, with GPO favourite Simon Keenlyside exploring his dark side as Iago. It will be a night to remember.
Sung in Italian Music Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) Libretto Arrigo Boito First performance 5 February 1887, Teatro alla Scala, Milan UK première 5 July 1889, Lyceum, Covent Garden
Otello, General of Venice Gwyn Hughes Jones Iago, Otello’s ensign Simon Keenlyside sponsor Ruth Markland
Desdemona, Otello’s wife Elizabeth Llewllyn sponsor Ginny & Richard Salter
Emilia, Iago’s wife Olivia Ray Cassio, a Captain Elgan Llŷr Thomas sponsor Jackie & John Alexander
Roderigo, Gentleman Anthony Flaum sponsor Francis & Amanda Nor ton
Lodovico, Ambassador Matthew Brook Montano, ex-Governor of Cyprus Alan Ewing Conductor Gianluca Marciano sponsor Peter & Poppity Nutting
Director David Alden Designer Charlie Edwards Costume Gabrielle Dalton Lighting Oliver Fenwick 13
JANACEK The Excursions of
Mr Broucek
SUPPORTED BY DAVID & AMANDA LEATHERS
Replete with his customary 15 beers, Mr Broucek attempts to find his way home 15
JANACEK The Excursions of
Mr Broucek OPERA IN TWO PARTS
JUNE Thu 9, Sat 18, Sun 26, Wed 29 JULY Thu 7
Opera giant, David Pountney, directs Janacek’s warm comedy of errors, a riposte to the bourgeoisie for their petty ways. Broucek, a bourgeois landlord from Prague, is the Czech-equivalent of Mr Pooter. (His name translates as Mr Beetle.) He plods away in his humdrum life – until he is swept away on several excursions to get away from the people bother him. First stop is the moon, followed by a trip to the 15th century during the Hussite uprisings. Alas, he can travel far, but he can’t get away from those irritating people. Operagoers have taken Broucek to their hearts as a downtrodden Everyman. It was last performed in the UK in 2009.
Sung in English (translation by David Pountney) Music Leos Janacek (1854–1928) Libretto Based on two novels by Svatopluk Cech First performance 23 April 1920, Prague National Theatre UK première 5 September 1970, King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
Mr Broucek, property owner Peter Hoare Malinka, Sakristáns’ daughter / Etherea / Kunka Fflur Wyn Mazal, a painter / Bounzincek / Petrik / Svatopluk Mark Le Brocq Würfl, a bartender / Paycek / Councillor Andrew Shore Sakristán Sacristan / Dudcek / Domsik Clive Bayley Fanny, a housekeeper / Kedruta Anne-Marie Owens Spotcek / Vojta/Raincek / Mirolsa Adrian Thompson Conductor George Jackson sponsor Brian & Jennifer Ratner
Director David Pountney Designer Leslie Travers Costume Marie-Jean Lecca Lighting Oliver Fenwick
17
Bryn Terfel With
WAGNER
Der Fliegende Holländer SUPPORTED BY THE ETHOS FOUNDATION & OTHERS
19
WAGNER
Der Fliegende Holländer FREE STAGING IN THREE ACTS JULY Thu 14, Sat 16
The ghostly seafaring Dutchman is only allowed ashore once every seven years to find a woman who will lift his curse by swearing eternal love. He sails into a Norwegian port and finds just the woman: Senta. Will she settle down with dull Erik, her fiancée? Or throw in her lot with the doomed Captain? There is no one better to have at the helm than the superstar Bryn Terfel in the role as the Dutchman, with Wagnerian soprano of the moment Rachel Nicholls as Senta, the woman who would give up life itself to free him and tenor du jour Nicky Spence. We welcome the distinguished Wagnerian conductor Anthony Negus into the pit. With its storm-tossed score – Wagner claimed that the inspiration was a particularly stomach-turning crossing of the North Sea – The Flying Dutchman is a gripping supernatural tour-de-force.
Sung in German Music & Libretto Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883) First performance 2 January 1843, Königliche Hoftheater, Dresden UK première 23 July 1870, Drury Lane
The Dutchman Bryn Terfel sponsor David & Clare Kershaw
Senta, enthralled by the Dutchman Rachel Nicholls Daland, Senta’s father Richard Wiegold Erik, in love with Senta Nicky Spence sponsor John & Carol Wates
Mary, Senta’s nurse Carolyn Dobbin sponsor Martin Brown
Steersman Elgan Llŷr Thomas Conductor Anthony Negus sponsor Nerissa Guest
21
Your summer evening 47 Vintage Cars
Vintage cars are on offer (for a fee) to drive you from (and to) London or Horsley Station. Imagine arriving in a pre-war Rolls Royce
Dress Many guests wear black tie/long dress, but we encourage stylish creativity
Arriving Guests arrive from two hours before and, with a glass of champagne, wander through the historic walled gardens where a convivial atmosphere reigns – the city seems far away
Before the opera Pre–ordered canapés and champagne are served on the Rose Garden. In Gloria’s tea room Sally Clarkes’ cake is very popular accompanied by Fortnum & Mason teas
A short walk Walk through the ancient Orchard – passing a 300-year-old mulberry tree, damson, pear and apple trees – takes you to the opera house: the Theatre in the Woods Take your seat for Act One
Long Interval Dining
Enjoy a three-course meal in The Duchess Restaurant or for a more bucolic approach, fling down your rug and picnic – or reserve a seat in a marquee or private pavilion
Act Two Afterwards Linger in the candlelit gardens until 10.45pm
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11
12
1
1 2 3 4
Entrance & Box Office White Wisteria Champagne Bar Duchess lavatories Duchess Restaurant
5 6 7 8
Lavatorium Rotundum Opera House Kiosk (shop) Mole’s Lawn & pavilions
6 7
Illustration by Theo Creswell
9 Orchard Marquee & pavilions 10 Crinkle-crankle garden & pavilions 11 Croquet Lawn Marquee & pavilions 12 Rose Garden
You can picnic in the Formal Gardens & the Crinkle-crankle Garden
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Grange Park Opera’s compelling production encompasses larkiness & loneliness
Grange Park Opera 2021 La Bohème
THE STAGE
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Grange Park Opera has taken an energetic approach to the pandemic, seeing opportunity in challenge OPER A WIRE
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The first-class acoustics of Wasfi’s Surrey La Scala allow some glorious sound to be appreciated throughout the multi-tiered auditorium DAILY MAIL
Grange Park Opera 2021 Falstaff
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The action, played out beneath the wooden walls of the medieval city, delivers enough of those nudge-your-neighbour moments to hold the attention, and the performances were as red-blooded as the plot THE SPECTATOR
Grange Park Opera 2021 Ivan the Terrible
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Booking dates & info The family of annual members creates and cherishes culture – for the good of all. Annual Members receive priority booking: Founding Pioneers & Sponsors Booking from Wed 6 Oct 2021 Department of Revels
Booking from Wed 20 Oct 2021
School of Hippocrates
Booking from Wed 24 Nov 2021
School of Archimedes
Booking from Wed 15 Dec 2021
School of Plato
Booking from Wed 9 Feb 2022
General Booking
Wed 23 Mar 2022 at 10am
Join the family grangeparkopera.co.uk/join
CONFIRMATION OF YOUR BOOKING If we have your email address, we will notify you by email when we receive your booking. SEATING If a member of your party requires extra-wide seating, we recommend you buy loose seating in boxes or bus seats. CONDITIONS OF SALE (i) If you are unable to use your tickets and we are unable to sell them, we will allow a member of staff to use them. This avoids gaps in the theatre (ii) Tickets may only be used by the purchaser and may not be sold on (iii) Grange Park Opera is a charity and receives no public subsidy. To make money work to our best advantage we continue with the tax-effective split which includes a suggested donation element (£40 - £85). 98.6% of supporters pay the donation element. By doing this there is no additional cost to ticket buyers and more of your money can go towards the charity’s aims. The practice is used by many charities. UK tax payers can claim the donation element from their top level of tax. (v) Gift Aid declaration terms are on the website (vi) Latecomers will not be admitted to the
auditorium and there will be no re-admission, unless there is a suitable pause. (vii) The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder in reasonable circumstances including, without limitation, where the ticket holder breaches these Terms & Conditions, disrupts the enjoyment of other audience members, or behaves in a manner which Management deems unacceptable. The ticket holder will have no right to a refund. (viii) Management reserves the right to change or cancel the advertised programme and artists due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances outside their reasonable control. RETURNING TICKETS We will exchange tickets for another performance this season without charge wherever possible. Tickets are nonrefundable. DATA PROTECTION See website for Privacy policy. All data supplied to Grange Park Opera by our customers will be handled by us in accordance with the customer’s instructions and under the terms of GDPR.
Where we are By car Off the A246, between Leatherhead and Guildford, 10 minutes from the intersection of the A3 & M25. Your guests can leave London mid-afternoon and arrive with time for a glass of champagne before the opera.
By train Horsley station is a mile away with frequent trains from Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction (45 mins). Woking Station is 8 miles away (London 25 mins; 8 trains/hour). Walking It is a 20 minute walk from Horsley station – along the railway line and then through the estate fields.
SAT NAV
KT24 6AN
M25 M1
A1
A406
M11 M25
M40
CENTRAL LONDON
A40 M4
A205 A20
A316 M3
A24
M20
A23
WOKING HORSLEY STATION
A3
GUILDFORD
M25
DORKING
M23
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www.grangeparkopera.co.uk
