Opera | Proms | Concerts 19 Aug - 17 Sept 2022 ifopera 16pp booklet.indd 1
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Welcome
IF OPERA WELCOMES YOU TO ITS INAUGURAL SEASON AFTER OUR TRANSITION FROM IFORD ARTS. If Opera is different in a number of ways but, above all, we are an ensemble of dazzling artists, creating music theatre together that, whether novice or aficionado, will immerse you in the wonder and thrill of this most spectacular and visceral art form. We are informal and welcoming and we want to share our work with all in our region and beyond, whatever your tastes and backgrounds. Start your journey with If Opera this summer…
Award-winning food and super stylish bedrooms by the banks of the winding River Avon. timbrellsyard.com
For more information visit ifopera.com
Independent Estate Agent Bath & Bradford on Avon 01225 866111 bradfordonavon@cobbfarr.com
A CO-WORKING CAFÉ AND WELLNESS SPACE
Cassia’s mission is to change how we work, eat and socialise. To create spaces where you can meet friends for a coffee, work on a project at a desk for a few hours, take a yoga class and then attend an interesting talk, all in one place.
Ground floor café
cobbfarr.com
Co-working upstairs, daily or hourly,
Pilates and yoga wellnes room
Meeting and events space
Find out more by popping in to chat to our staff or as follows:
www.cassiacollective.co.uk Instagram @cassiacollectiveuk
OUR VENUE FOR SUMMER 2022 We are delighted to be back in the beautiful grounds of Belcombe Court; located in the historic market town of Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire. This beautiful setting is the perfect backdrop for our operas, picnic prom and family show. Picnic in the grounds or simply enjoy a drink at the If Opera bar before taking your seat in our purpose built, fully covered theatre with raked seating. See page 14 for how to get there 3
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A REPERTORY ENSEMBLE COMPANY If Opera is a company of talented, exciting artists and creatives who are at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is to engage our artists for an extended period to perform all of our season’s work, in a collegiate and supportive environment. Visit ifopera.com for more information about our ensemble and casting. 4
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Photography by Laima Arlauskaite instagram @laimaarlauskaite 5
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Olivia Clarke Conductor Daisy Brown Director
Philip Smith Katherine McIndoe Lysanne van Overbeek Director
Ryan Vaughan Davies
Meinir Wyn Roberts
Jack Dolan Lara Marie Müller Lorena Paz Nieto
Kieran Rayner 6
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Natasha Page
Bruno Ravella Director
Shakira Tsindos 7
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La rondine
DOUBLE BILL Rita & Il segreto di Susanna
Giacomo Puccini
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
26 | 29 August 1 | 3 September
Rita by Gaetano Donizetti Sung in English
Il segreto di Susanna by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari
Belcombe Court, Belcombe Road, Bradford on Avon. BA15 1LZ
La Rondine (THE SWALLOW) is a lavishly moving tale of love and heartbreak – and what else, you may ask, is opera about?
A new If Opera production featuring the Bristol Ensemble and the If Opera Chorus Conductor: Oliver Gooch Director: Bruno Ravella Designer: Flavio Graff TICKETS £40.00 – £90.00 Members £45.00 – £95.00 Non-members Under 18’s go free Children welcome age 7+
5:00pm Gates open for picnics 7:00pm Performance starts 9:30pm Approx. end For more information on how to book visit ifopera.com or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362 8
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Sung in Italian with English surtitles Puccini composed some of the most famous and popular operas in history, ranging from Madama Butterfly to Turandot, but this was something a little different and is often thought of as his ‘operetta’. Rondine does have a kind of ‘West End show’ dimension, with dizzying bar scenes and choruses, and young love liberally spread among the characters but at the heart the opera is a doomed love. Well-to-do countryboy Ruggero and Magda, his courtesan lover, join in passionate union and retire in bliss to the countryside - but something bothers Magda, her previous life may not allow her the contentment she craves. As love flourishes, Puccini gives us one of his greatest creations – the quartet ‘I drink to your beautiful smile’ - which holds us in breathless thrall as the whole world surrounding Magda and Ruggero sing to their love, but we know that despite the glorious happiness it describes, none of this is going to end well. The sumptuous melody in which this opera is bathed means the desolation of the story’s conclusion ultimately brings us to our knees, helpless in the face of the final scene. Puccini’s orchestral palette scarcely shone as brightly and inventively as it does in La rondine, and his music, which at times forces you into total submission, is as beautiful as anything in his canon. Director Bruno Ravella, a former Iford Arts favourite, joins us fresh from extraordinary acclaim for his Rosenkavalier at Garsington in 2021, and If Opera’s Artistic Director Oliver Gooch conducts.
27 | 31 August Belcombe Court, Belcombe Road, Bradford on Avon. BA15 1LZ
This duo of one act comedic operas offers a glorious representation of married life in one form or another – each with their own dark shadows lurking in the background. Rita, the somewhat tyrannical inn-owner and wife of Peppe is shocked by the return of her former husband Gasparo who she had thought dead by drowning. Gasparo is back to acquire the death certificate of Rita so he can remarry – because he thought she too had died. In the middle is poor Peppe who wants out, and perhaps Gasparo’s return provides the opportunity? The opera is a comedy of deceit and ill-manners but it glitters with Donizetti’s trademark vivacity, formed around eight core musical ‘numbers’ connected by spoken dialogue. The opera has, in the past few decades, become one of the most frequently performed of Donizetti’s short operas. Il segreto di Susanna (Susanna’s Secret) is a simple comedy of confusions. Conte Gil returns home to the smell of tobacco and suspects his wife Susannah has a lover. The outrageous ways in which Gil seeks to discover the existence of another man whilst his wife tries desperately, with the help of their servant, to conceal her real secret, produce a riotous evening suffused with some
absolutely gorgeous music. Wolf-Ferrari’s perfect little opera remains a popular part of the repertoire across the world. We welcome two brilliant young directors to If Opera for this double bill; Lysanne van Overbeek and Daisy Brown. The current Mackerras Fellow at ENO, Olivia Clarke, makes her conducting debut with If Opera too.
A new If Opera production featuring the Bristol Ensemble Director for Rita: Lysanne van Overbeek Director for Il segreto di Susanna: Daisy Brown Conductor: Olivia Clarke Designer: Bettina John-Taihuttu TICKETS £39.00 – £74.00 Members £44.00 – £79.00 Non-members Under 18’s go free Children welcome age 12+
5:00pm Gates open for picnics 7:00pm Performance starts 9:15pm Approx. end For more information on how to book visit ifopera.com or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362 9
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Dido and Aeneas
Picnic Prom The Clare Teal Seven
Henry Purcell
17 September
Brand New Show For 2022
Holy Trinity Church, Church St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LW
19 August Belcombe Court, Belcombe Road, Bradford on Avon. BA15 1LZ
IF OPERA CONCERT PERFORMANCE WITH GUEST CONDUCTOR CHRISTIAN CURNYN The course of true love runs far from smooth for Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Trojan hero Aeneas in Purcell’s famous opera. We are thrilled that our If Opera Company will be working with period instrumentalists from the Bristol Ensemble and leading baroque specialist and former Iford Arts regular Christian Curnyn. Intimate in scale, this timeless tale of love and anguish, sorcery, war and betrayal punches well above its weight and includes one of the most beautiful arias in all Baroque opera – When I am Laid in Earth.
If Opera Company and Bristol Ensemble
A MOMENTOUS COLLABORATION OF SWING
TICKETS £24.00 – £55.00 Members £29.00 – £60.00 Non-members Under 18’s go free
Expect exhilarating swing from award-winning jazz vocalist and broadcaster Clare Teal. Clare (formerly on Radio 2 now on Jazz FM) and band celebrate the art of swing featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British songbooks. With three members of the fabulous Kansas Smitty’s band bolted onto Clare’s equally fabulous trio – sparks will fly!
Children welcome age 7+
Performance 1 at 5:30pm Doors open at 4:50pm Performance 2 at 8:00pm Doors open at 7:20pm Running time approx 1 hour - no interval For more information on how to book visit ifopera.com or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
This promises to be an entertaining and humorous evening packed with anecdotes, jazz-infused repertoire, and full of joyous, uplifting and inspirational music performed by the best. Clare will be joined by Giacomo Smith – clarinet, Jason Rebello – piano, Pete Horsfall – trumpet, Simon Little – bass, Dave Archer – guitar and Ed Richardson – drums.
Holy Trinity is a historic Grade I listed Church with a beautiful interior and excellent acoustic. Situated by the river in the heart of Bradford on Avon, its origins lie in the Saxon period while the present Church dates from the 12th century. 10
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Bring a picnic and spend a relaxing evening with friends in Belcombe Court’s fabulous garden of delights; visit our pop-up bar and enjoy serendipitous musical moments as you explore the various nooks around the glorious grounds.
Additional live music to be announced, see website for updates. TICKETS £42.00 5:30pm Gates open for picnics Main Band 7:45pm 9:15/9:30pm Approx. end For more information on how to book visit ifopera.com or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362 11
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The Man in the Moon Presented by If Opera in association with Charles Court Opera Words by John Savournin Original music by Samuel Bordoli
JOIN IF OPERA & ENJOY A WHOLE RANGE OF BENEFITS We recognise the vital role our supporters play with a whole range of benefits – :
28 August
Benefit
Belcombe Court, Belcombe Road, Bradford on Avon. BA15 1LZ
U35s Free
Silver Member £85+
Gold Member £250+
Advocate £600+
Benefactor £1500+
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Personalised support around all aspects of your visits to If Opera
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Knowledge that you are supporting If Opera’s work with artists and new audiences E Newsletter
THE PERFECT SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY. HOW DID THE MOON END UP IN ELLIE’S BACK GARDEN? AND WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Come along to magical Belcombe Court to find out! Explore the garden with its shell house, grotto, ornamental pond and secret pathways, get creative in our prop-making workshop, and then head over to our Saddlespan theatre to meet our singers and join Ellie and the Man in the Moon on a whistle-stop journey through space and time. From the Stone Age to the swinging sixties and forwards to the future, be amazed at what humans have invented and achieved and aghast at the mess we leave in our wake. A warm-hearted and inspiring musical tale, devised and presented by John Savournin, accompanied by an accordian and violin. This magical story about the man and the moon crash-landing on earth reminds us that we all need to do our bit - and do it a lot! Performances will take place in our fully enclosed Saddlespan theatre with raked seating. 12
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Priority Booking Member Pricing Invitation to Pre-Season Launch event Recognition in Programme Book Members Bar & complimentary drink at Belcombe Court
TICKETS £19.00 Adult £9.00 Child Children 3 and under FREE Show 1: 1:15pm Gardens open at 12pm
Show 2: 4:15pm Gardens open at 3pm Join us before the performance to explore the gardens and get creative in our prop-making workshop. Approx running time 1 hour There is no picnicking at this event For more information on how to book visit ifopera.com or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
We would love you to join us on our journey. As an If Opera Member or Supporter you can access priority booking and member pricing, and keep up with all the latest news. You will also be helping us to support the career progression of our emerging artists, and reach out into our wider community through family events, community and schools projects.
Tables/chairs provided in prime position for picnics (where venue allows) Programme book mailed in advance
To find out more about these schemes or to explore our other opportunities for support please get in touch with catrinslater@ifopera.com or visit ifopera.com/support-us With Special Thanks Presidents: Ian and Christa Taylor, owners of Homewood, Bishopstrow & The Bird, Bath 13
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How to book
GENERAL BOOKING OPENS FRIDAY 18 MARCH AT 10AM
ONLINE
Please visit www.ifopera.com
BATH BOX OFFICE 01225 463 362
1A Forum Buildings, Bath BA1 1UG Open 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. Closed Bank Holidays.
Under 18s go free Offer applies to La rondine and Rita & Il segreto di Susanna and Dido and Aeneas (T’s & C’s apply)
New for 2022 this cutaway diagram shows our purpose-built ‘Saddlespan’ theatre which is fully enclosed with raked seating and an excellent acoustic.
Travel
Holy Trinity Church
Belcombe Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LZ
Church St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LW
Belcombe Court is 15 min walk uphill from Bradford on Avon town centre. There is a taxi service whose office is located just outside the railway station.
Holy Trinity Church is situated in the heart of Bradford on Avon and is a 5 min stroll from Bradford on Avon station.
By Train
There are regular trains to Bradford on Avon from London (change at Bath), Bristol and Westbury.
The chance to perform has always been a popular part of any school experience, and Kingswood has a raft of opportunities to allow budding Thespians, Set Designers or Maestros to develop their skills, and delight audiences throughout the school year. Music
Drama
Kingswood’s Music Department is the heartbeat of the school and prepares students for a cultural understanding and appreciation of music in the modern world. Past and current students have been awarded places in the West of England Youth Orchestra and at the Junior Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Pupils in Years 7-9 can attend a Drama club to enhance their knowledge further through Stage Craft, Physical Theatre, Script Work, Stage Combat, Voice and Improvisation activities.
Kingswood is proud of its singing heritage with several choirs which cater for singers of all ages and abilities. Alongside the Choir, Junior ensembles, Senior and Jazz Orchestra run to nurture young talent. Specialist coaching is also provided in Kingswood Strings, Brass and Woodwind.
Belcombe Court
There is free parking at Belcombe Court for 200+ cars.
A vibrant Creative Arts scene
There is no car park at the church with limited street parking close by. The nearest car parks are St Margaret’s (a two-minute walk) and the Station car park (a five-minute walk).
By Bus
There are regular bus services from Bristol/Bath and Salisbury to Bradford on Avon. Please check bus timetables for the D1 & 265 services.
Kingswood produces hugely successful performances and students can be involved in many ways on and off stage. Theatre Tech Club is open to students in Year 9 and above who are interested in any area of design or tech in live events. This covers both practical and theoretical aspects of lighting, sound, video, stage management and much more. Bespoke programmes and workshops are also offered for pupils with a passion for Drama which further expands their skill set.
Many previous students have gone on to study Music at leading Conservatoires, including Manchester University, Bristol University, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Northern College of Music.
Several former students have gone on to study a variety of course such as; Costume Design at Wimbledon College, Drama Therapy at the Central School of Speech and Drama and Production Arts at Guildhall School with a theatre technology pathway.
Wherever possible please leave your cars at home and take a train, share a car or walk. Please visit ifopera.com for more information.
To find out more about Music and Drama or to book a tour, please visit www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
Iford Arts Ltd t/a If Opera, 15 Market St, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LL • t:01225 868124 www.ifopera.com • Company no: 4352244, Charity no:1091312
An Independent Co-educational Boarding & Day School for pupils aged 9 months - 18 years
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A D V E RT I S E M E N T
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MEDITERRANEAN INFLUENCED, UNMISTAKABLY SOMERSET Whether enjoying a feast in our dining domes or indulging in our famous afternoon tea, our emphasis is always on sustainable ingredients. homewoodbath.co.uk | 01225 580439 | @homewoodbath
Savour one of Wiltshire's wonders and dine at Bishopstrow, in the restaurant, on the terrace or in a dining dome! All surrounded by private gardens and set in glorious, rural Wiltshire. bishopstrowhotel.com | 01985 804680 | @bishopstrowhotel
Based in Bath centre, with an alfresco sun terrace and domes. Our ethos is simple: Honest, seasonal, local and fresh. Our servings are generous and our plates made for sharing. thebirdbath.co.uk | 01225 580438 | @thebirdbath_
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