The Grange Festival 2019 | Season Brochure

T H E G R A N G E F E S T I VA L 2019

L E N O Z Z E D I F IGA RO M O Z A RT June | 6, 8, 14, 19, 23, 30

FA L S TA F F V E R D I June | 7, 9, 15, 21, 29

BELSH A ZZA R H A N DEL June | 20, 22, 28 July | 4, 6

DA N C E@T H E G R A N G E Curated by Wayne McGregor June | 25, 26

I N I M I TA B L E , I R R E S I S T I B L E H O L LY WO O D A N D B ROA DWAY T H E J O H N W I L S O N O RC H E S T R A July | 5 1

W EL C OM E

The editorial piece for the September edition of Opera magazine bemoans the slightly halfhearted engagement with Baroque opera in this country. It writes that the UK used to be the world leading pioneer in this field, and now just goes through the motions, compared with the rest of the world, which has most certainly caught up. And rather pleasingly, the same article chooses The Grange Festival as the one which can and should take the lead in this area. We will.

We started two years ago with Monteverdi (The return of Ulysses) and have just scored what Hugh Canning in the Sunday Times called ‘a dazzling hit’ with Handel and Agrippina.

I want us to be a broad church, but there is no doubt that my own operatic roots lie predominantly in the Baroque, and, more especially, we are blessed with a theatre in which dramatic musical theatre from earlier periods can shine brightly.

Our second festival proved pretty dazzling across the range. Those openings evenings

of dance were inspirational. To see many of the famous names of British Ballet and Dance on the Grange stage creating transcendental images was, frankly, extraordinary. And they kept saying they want to come back and do more.

Our doors are always open. And our Rossini and Mozart productions proved hugely popular.

In this booklet you will find details of five separate events in next year’s festival, Dance, three operas, and a one-off concert.

Handel returns in the form of a full staging of perhaps his most dramatic oratorio, Belshazzar.

This has hardly ever been performed as a staged opera, and so we are definitely taking the lead on that front. And Mozart also returns with the one we all want to see again and again, Le nozze di Figaro. For both these productions, we are thrilled with the top-level international casts. Belshazzar is also a celebration, the 40th anniversary of The Sixteen. I must claim a minor link, in having performed with The Sixteen’s founder director, Harry Christophers

continually during our parallel careers and having also been one of the quorum present at the first get-together in his Putney flat of what became The Sixteen. We are thrilled to provide the forum for this notable event.

Our third opera is Verdi. His joyous Falstaff was his glorious operatic swansong, full of banter, fun, and exhilarating ensembles. We can promise a wonderful cast, one of the best young Italian conductors, and a well-known RSC and West End director creating his first opera production.

The crowning glory is the welcome return of The John Wilson Orchestra, who perform Gershwin, Porter, Kern, Berlin and Bernstein better than anyone else. Frankly, who can resist?

We are always determined that your whole visit from early arrival to reluctant departure should be a delight. I look forward to welcoming you.

Michael Chance C B E

3

L E N OZ Z E DI F IGA RO Composer

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Librettist

Lorenzo da Ponte Orchestra

The Academy of Ancient Music Sung in Italian

‘The best opera ever written by a human being’ Sir Isaiah Berlin — Desert Island Discs, 1992

Revealing truth, virtue and beauty as no other opera, Figaro is Mozart’s operatic masterpiece, an irresistible blend of musical wit and social satire. ‘The best opera ever written by a human being’ has the capacity to be as transformative an experience as can be had in a theatre.

The Grange Festival’s new production by Martin Lloyd-Evans, who created the magical Mansfield Park at The Grange in 2017, conducted

by Richard Egarr with The Academy of Ancient Music playing, presents a cast of Europe’s brightest young artists including Rowan Pierce winner of the first Grange Festival International Singing Competition in 2017.

A score fizzing with life and melody brings song to Beaumarchais’ provocative play, and colour to his captivating cast of characters – from the lascivious Count and bombastic Dr Bartolo to the gawky teenage Cherubino, charismatic Figaro and of course his endlessly resourceful wife-to-be Susanna.

P RO D U C T I O N T E A M

Conductor Richard Egarr

Director Martin Lloyd-Evans Designer Tim Reed

Lighting Designer Peter Mumford

CAST

Count Countess Susanna Figaro Cherubina Marcellina Basilio Bartolo Antonio Barbarina

Toby Girling Simona Mihai Ellie Laugharne Roberto Lorenzi Wallis Giunta Louise Winter Ben Johnson Jonathan Best Richard Suart Rowan Pierce

5

FA L S TA F F Composer

Giuseppe Verdi Librettist

Arrigo Boito Orchestra

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian

‘a life-enhancing celebration of love, laughter and joie-de-vivre’

Verdi’s last opera is a life-enhancing celebration of love, laughter and joie-de-vivre. The portly old lecher tries to win the affections of two attractive ladies who triumphantly outwit him and have lots fun in the process.

Verdi always had a copy of Shakespeare in Italian next to his bed. He wrote this infectious quicksilver score, setting text from The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, in a remarkable late-flowering Indian summer. He was 79 when it premiered.

The Grange Festival is proud to announce with this new production the arrival to opera of RSC and West End director Christopher Luscombe and the welcome return of conductor Francesco Cilluffo whose Verdi Requiem on the Grange stage in 2017 still remains powerfully in our memories.

With many well-known names as well as brilliant young artists in the cast, Verdi and Shakespeare come enticingly to The Grange.

P RO D U C T I O N T E A M

Conductor Francesco Cilluffo

Director Christopher Luscombe Designer Simon Higlett

Lighting Designer Peter Mumford

CAST

Falstaff Robert Hayward Ford Nicholas Lester

Fenton Alessandro Fisher

Dr Caius Graham Clark

Bardolfo Christopher Gillett

Pistola Pietro di Bianco

Alice Elin Pritchard

Nannetta Rhian Lois

Quickly Susan Bickley

Meg Page Angela Simkin

7

B E L SH A Z Z A R Composer

George Frideric Handel Librettist

Charles Jennens Orchestra

The Sixteen Sung in English

‘Biblical high drama’ From the Book of Daniel, Handel’s dramatic oratorio P RO D U C T I O N T E A M tells of the fall of Babylon at the hands of Cyrus the

Conductor Harry Christophers Great and the freeing of the Jewish nation. This is

Director Daniel Slater grand Baroque opera, an early Nabucco perhaps. The Designer Robert Innes Hopkins chorus plays centre stage, at once pleasure-seeking

Lighting Designer Peter Mumford Babylonians, or solemn Jews, or noble Persians.

This previously rarely staged masterpiece provides CAST the perfect opportunity for a unique collaboration between The Grange Festival and The Sixteen in a Belshazzar Robert Murray celebration of their 40th anniversary. The Grange Nitocris Rosemary Joshua Festival chorus and The Sixteen Choir and Orchestra Cyrus Christopher Ainslie under their founding director Harry Christophers, Gobrias Henry Waddington with a starry cast of Handelian luminaries, bring

Daniel James Laing Biblical high drama to thrilling life at The Grange.

Our production of another Handel masterpiece, Agrippina, in 2018 wowed audiences and critics alike.

We were consistently dazzled by 5 star reviews.

Belshazzar promises more of the same except this time it is in English and it has electrifying choruses.

Creating a world-class choral unit from The Sixteen and The Grange Festival chorus promises something special and unique, never to be heard again. 1743 was an annus mirabilis for Handel. His music for Belshazzar is inspired, thrilling and humane.

9

DA N C E@ THEGR ANGE

‘Dance on the Grange stage creating transcendental images was, frankly, extraordinary’

‘I am thrilled to be returning to The Grange as Director of Dance for the second year in 2019. The Festival’s first foray into dance this past June, curated by myself with Edward Watson, was a resounding success. It was wonderful to receive such a warm reception by the audience to our programme of classic and contemporary dance in the Grange’s unique setting.

I look forward to sharing with you our next speciallycommissioned programme, performed by Company Wayne McGregor, introducing a new range of guest artists, as well as bringing back some of the extraordinary dancers from this year, for 2019’s Dance@TheGrange.’

Wayne McGregor C B E Director of Dance, The Grange Festival Artistic Director, Studio Wayne McGregor Resident Choreographer, The Royal Ballet

After The Rain © Ravi Deepres

11

I N I M I TA B L E , I R R E SIS T I B L E HOL LY WO OD A N D B ROA DWAY with

The John Wilson Orchestra

‘If you’ve never heard the John Wilson Orchestra, it’s time to experience pure happiness.’

Richard Bratby — The Spectator, July 2017

Join us for an evening of music from Hollywood & Broadway, listen to the songs of Stage and Screen with the masterful touch of The John Wilson Orchestra. With a cast of stars this is a night not to be missed.

Conductor and arranger John Wilson formed The John Wilson Orchestra in 1994. The orchestra has an international reputation as a unique hand-picked ensemble of some of the world’s finest musicians. Outside of his work with the orchestra, he is a principal conductor of the Northern Sinfonia and principal guest conductor of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Working regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony, Philharmonia, BBC Scottish, BBC Symphony and BBC Concert orchestras, John recently conducted Madama Butterfly at Glyndebourne.

13

F E S T I VA L FOU N DER S

The generous gifts of our founders have played a huge part in making the festival happen. The Grange Festival exists to bring world class opera and dance to The Grange in Hampshire.

As a Founder you will make a big difference by supporting us as we evolve into a hub of cultural excellence. You will be invited to develop a bespoke and ongoing relationship with The Grange and its artistic activities. Our Founders have lifetime priority booking, apart from the Smirke founder which is for 5 years. We hope that if you can you will consider joining us to take this unique opportunity to be a part of our future and secure your place in the history of this amazing national landmark.

For more information about becoming a Festival Founder please contact rachel@thegrangefestival.co.uk

14

SA M W E LL FOU N DE R In 1665 William Samwell is commissioned to design the original red brick mansion. £100,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £55,000).

W I L K I N S FOU N DE R In c1804 William Wilkins turns the Samwell house into a Greek Temple. £50,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £27,500).

C O C K E R E LL FOU N DE R In c1823 Charles Cockerell builds the orangery as a Greek Temple. £25,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £13,750).

S M I R K E FOU N DE R In 1819 Greek Revival architect Robert Smirke designs the link between the house and the orangery. £10,000 (with tax efficient giving can cost the donor just £5,500).

All our founders receive recognition in the Festival Programme and enjoy priority booking from 16 October 2018.

15

F E S T I VA L FRIENDS

Our annual Festival Friends ensure the success of each festival and are essential to sustaining the high quality of our operas. Friends have access to priority booking and play an important part in making the Festival happen. Ticket income only covers half the cost of running the festival, so we depend on our Friends’ generosity to fill the gap.

Using the jargon of theatre, we have a menu of delights from which to choose. Please spread the word, we can never have too many friends.

THE SW EET SPOT Suggested donations from £5000

Every stage has that unique spot 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.

Enjoy priority booking from 16 October 2018.

T H E LI M E LIGH T £2500

Before electricity theatres produced intense light by directing a flame at a cylinder of quicklime.

You will receive an invitation for you and your guests to meet the cast after all your visits to The Grange; an opportunity to target your gift to support a supporting role or aspect of the production; an opportunity to attend a closed rehearsal or audition, and invitations to special events during the year.

Enjoy priority booking from 6 November 2018.

19

T H E PROM P T C OR N E R £1000

Every theatre needs one. Without this, it might not be alright on the night.

You will receive an invitation for you and your guests to meet the cast after all your visits to The Grange; to attend a closed rehearsal, and an invitation to attend two special events during the year.

Enjoy priority booking from 6 November 2018.

20

T H E RO S T RU M £500

The birds-eye view and position of power guiding the orchestra with a flick of the wrist.

You will receive an invitation for you and your guests to meet the cast after one of your visits to The Grange; and to one special event during the year.

Enjoy priority booking from 4 December 2018.

T H E W I NG S £250

It’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 during the year.

Enjoy priority booking from 8 January 2019.

T H E FO O T LIGH T S £40

The original theatre lighting: once upon a time as candles, now used as a special effect.

Enjoy priority booking from 5 February 2019 before booking opens to the public.

T H E H IGH F LY E R S

UNDER 35s ONLY

£10

Traditional scenery operators worked on the fly walks high above the stage.

You will be able to purchase any seat in the house for just £35 each from 5 February 2019. You will also be able to access free bus transfers from Basingstoke Station and a half price Festival programme.

21

Photo: Leela Bennett

EDUCAT ION F U N D

Inspiring the next generation of music lovers and mentoring young artists is an important part of our mission to share our expertise. Our Education Fund supports a range of imaginative year-round activities.

In just our second year we have forged strong links with schools and colleges though a series of interactive days for music and dance. Groups of dance students had an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work on our stage to Edward Watson, followed by a masterclass with dancers from Company Wayne McGregor. Another interactive day was held for 8-11-year-old pupils and their parents based around the themes and music of The Barber of Seville, followed by the

opportunity to watch a rehearsal run of the show.

This year a week-long summer school is being held for Secondary pupils who will devise, write, compose and choreograph an hour long ‘opera’ around the theme 5 things about the world you would save for humanity and 5 things you would eliminate. The group take control of the creative output, led from behind by experienced practitioners, and work fast in teams towards the final performance on the professional stage. We are also working with our local state secondary school to make our professional stage available to them for their annual production and will share our expertise to broaden and inspire their onstage and backstage experience.

Our Artistic Director Michael Chance has combined his international singing career with a passion for educating the next generation of artists. As a professor at the Royal Academy of Music he is well placed to nurture talent.

Through our education fund we offer grants and scholarships to singers who may need particular coaching for a role around repertoire or language skills. We also support the next generations of directors and conductors by offering assistant positions to up and coming practitioners. We plan to extend this mentoring scheme to other backstage roles. Out of the summer season we hold many networking events and use these as an opportunity to showcase young talent.

23

PR IOR IT Y BO OK I NG I N FOR M AT ION

Priority booking is available for all our Festival Founders and 2019 Festival Friends.

16 OCTOBER 2018

8 JANUARY 2019

Festival Founders – all levels

The Wings

16 OCTOBER 2018

5 FEBRUARY 2019

The Sweet Spot

The Footlights & The Highflyers

If you are ready to join up today please complete, sign and return the 2019 Founders and Friends form.

6 NOVEMBER 2018

5 M ARCH 2019

The Limelight & The Prompt Corner

General Booking opens

If you are interested in the range of Corporate opportunities available please contact rachel@thegrangefestival.co.uk

4 DECEMBER 2018

For more information about becoming a Festival Founder please contact rachel@thegrangefestival.co.uk For more information about becoming a Festival Friend please refer to page 19.

24

Priority booking opens as follows:

The Rostrum

HOW TO BO OK

B O OK I NG FOR M If you are a Festival Founder or 2019 Festival Friend, please complete the enclosed ticket booking form and return it to us at: The Grange Festival Folly Hill Farm Itchen Stoke Hampshire SO24 9TF Tickets are allocated in the order in which the forms are received at the beginning of each booking window, so it is better to get your forms in early if you are wanting tickets for either Dance@TheGrange or The John Wilson Orchestra concert as these events are likely to sell out quickly.

ON LI N E B O OK I NG Do keep a careful note of any requested bookings and if you need to make any amends please contact the Box Office on 01962 791020 and Caroline and her team will do their upmost to accommodate you.

Where possible please include a valid email address so that we can notify you when your tickets have been allocated.

When requesting tickets please make us aware of any mobility issues for you or your guests as this will affect where in the auditorium we are able to seat you.

Once your tickets have been allocated we will be in contact regarding payment for tickets, so please don’t send payment in with your booking form.

It is also possible to book all your tickets online via our website: www.thegrangefestival.co.uk.

Online booking for each level opens at 10am on the dates listed opposite and if you have signed up as the corresponding level you will be granted access to the seating plans.

If you do have any mobility issues, please contact Caroline and the box office team for advice on the best seating options.

25

A R R I VA L AT T H E GR A NGE

To immerse yourself fully in the atmosphere and unparalleled surroundings of The Grange, we recommend you arrive early.

The grounds are open two hours before curtain-up. Parking attendants will direct you on arrival and the Festival volunteers are on hand to greet, guide and assist you as you enter the site.

Enjoy a drink at our Portico Bar, the perfect place to meet your friends. Take in the spectacular lake views while indulging in some canapés. If you fancy something sweeter take a stroll down to The Garden Bar where you can enjoy delicious homemade cakes and a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.

I N T E RVA L A 100-minute dining interval offers a wealth of choices. Treat yourself to a fine-dining experience at The Grange Restaurant, order a luxury hamper, book a private pavilion in a range of magnificent settings, book one of our two marquees or bring a rug and pick a spot in our breath-taking grounds.

T H E GR A NGE Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a closer look at the extraordinary interior of the semi-ruined house. As well as being home to our restaurant you can enjoy the carefully curated Art@TheGrange exhibition or visit Lady Ashburton’s shop.

27

F E S T I VA L S HOP The Festival shop is situated in the central room of the house next to the Portico Bar, which leads you into the gallery corridor and the crumbling grandeur of the main house. Here you can buy a range of items from books and stationery to clothes and jewellery. Each piece is specially selected or made exclusively for The Grange Festival.

28

A RT@ T H E GR A NGE A moustache on the front of the house, distant figures in the fields, larger than life dancers on the wall.

In 2019 expect to be surprised and entranced once again by a stunning selection of Art@TheGrange.

W H AT T O W E A R To add to the atmosphere of your visit to The Grange, evening dress and black tie is usual. A suitably stylish alternative is welcomed, creative individuality is encouraged.

On cooler days, a warm layer is recommended. When considering footwear, please note our grounds can be damp or uneven.

W E AT H E R Although we do everything in our power to provide beautiful sunshine, standing under the Grecian portico on a rainy day while enjoying a glass of champagne can be just as magical as the brightest of summer days on the Estate. Our Festival will not be dampened by the weather. The award winning theatre is entirely enclosed, our fine-dining restaurant is located within the magical interior of the house and we have enough marquee space to keep everyone dry.

29

C A LENDA R 2019 JUNE Thurs 6 June

F IGA RO Fri 7 June

FA LSTA F F Sat 8 June

F IGA RO Sun 9 June

FA LSTA F F Fri 14 June

F IGA RO Sat 15 June

FA LSTA F F Weds 19 June

F IGA RO Thurs 20 June

BELSH A ZZA R Frid 21 June

FA LSTA F F Sat 22 June

BELSH A ZZA R

Sun 23 June

F IGA RO Tues 25 June

DA NCE Weds 26 June

DA NCE Fri 28 June

BELSH A ZZA R Sat 29 June

FA LSTA F F Sun 30 June

F IGA RO

JULY Thurs 4 July

BELSH A ZZA R Fri 5 July

JOH N W I LSON Sat 6 July

BELSH A ZZA R

C H O O S E YOU R S E AT S

SE AT I NG PL A N FOR OPER A

SE AT I NG PL A N FOR DA NC E/C ONC ERT

The country. But not as you know it.

Try laidback luxury for size at Lime Wood.