IFORD ARTS 2020 OPERA | PROMS CONCERTS 23 May – 19 September 2020
www ifordarts org.uk
Everything we do at Iford Arts is about celebrating great music in extraordinary places. Whether you fancy a soirée of operetta in the Banqueting Hall of Bath’s Guildhall with its ornate cornicing and spectacular chandeliers, the thrill of Carmen’s Habanera and a relaxed Picnic Prom in the stunning grounds of Belcombe Court, or baroque opera in the beautifully reordered Holy Trinity Church (both in Bradford-on-Avon), there is something here to appeal to everyone. What’s more, we take huge pride in offering not only memorable performances from both established and emerging artists, but also an informality and intimacy that has become our trademark. All our venues this season are Grade 1 listed and of historical and architectural importance. For the first time, our Young Artists perform in concert at the American Museum, Claverton Manor. With its far-reaching views over the Limpley Stoke Valley, it will make a perfect backdrop for their July 4th celebrations. If you love enchanting other-worldly settings and want a musical night to remember, then read on!
Oliver Gooch Artistic Director Iford Arts
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Brochure photography: Origin8 Photography and Paul Weiland
Performance Diary
p.
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The Merry Widow Saturday 23 May Sunday 24 May
OPERA p.7 Carmen
Saturday 29 August Tuesday 1 September Wednesday 2 September Friday 4 September
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p.
Acis & Galatea
Saturday 19 September
PROMS p.
10 & 11
Picnic Prom with Clare Teal Friday 28 August
Picnic Prom with Classico Latino Saturday 5 September
CONCERTS p.
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Iford Arts New Generation Artists in Concert Sunday 30 August
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 3
SUPPORTING IFORD ARTS Opera makes a fantastic contribution to our cultural life and at Iford Arts we strive to create memorable and moving performances of some of the great operatic repertoire in our part of the South West. As a charity, we are a small organisation with an international reputation. We are hugely proud of our growth. In addition to many new and original opera productions we work throughout the year offering employment to the most talented young professionals, nurturing emerging artists and offering education and outreach initiatives to our communities. ‘I enjoyed it so much I would really like to do that again. It was one of the most fun days of my life’ Year 5 pupil from The Grove School, Trowbridge Iford Arts Gingerbread outreach project. To deliver all of this we need to raise over £150,000 each year through the generosity of gifts from private individuals, grants from charitable trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship. In an increasingly competitive environment, we need your financial support more than ever. Your support through patronage and ticket income not only entitles you to priority booking and other benefits, but enables us to continue our contribution to the cultural landscape. For as little as £80 a year you can benefit from a closer relationship with Iford Arts by becoming a FRIEND. In return for your generosity, you will receive priority booking for up to four people. Entry level PATRONAGE starts at £500 with our Visionaries donating upwards of £5,000 to support our activity. All patronage offers priority booking, picnic tables and chairs and various other benefits. Our volunteers and hosts are the backbone of our organisation and we thank each one of them for their continued support. We offer a range of opportunities including stewarding, accommodating artists and musicians, catering, costumes and set painting, technical support and administration. In readiness for a stunning season of high calibre music please consider how you might support us. We would be delighted to talk to you about any of the above. Please; call the Iford Arts office on 01225 868 124 and speak to one of the Iford Arts team or email: music@ifordarts.org.uk or visit the website: ifordarts.org.uk
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For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362
OPERA 2020
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THE MERRY WIDOW Franz Lehár Banqueting Room, Guildhall, Bath Conductor Oliver Gooch Director Simon Butteriss Orchestra Iford Arts Chamber Ensemble English lyrics by Christopher Hassall Additional lyrics by Jeremy Sams
A N E W I F O R D A RT S P R O D U C T I O N SUNG IN ENGLISH
May 23 | 24 Following on from last year's sell-out performances of Die Fledermaus, Iford Arts is delighted to be back at the Guildhall with The Merry Widow. This riot of irrepressible joie-de-vivre and intoxicating waltz tunes captured the spirit of Belle Epoque Vienna, Paris and London, changing the face of musical theatre forever.
Dramatised narration by Simon Butteriss
This fully-staged and costumed salon-style production of the greatest of all operettas, in a witty new version by Simon Butteriss, conducted by Oliver Gooch, features Vilja, Red As The Rose In Maytime, Merry Widow Waltz and a spectacular Can-Can from Maxim’s world-famous Grisettes.
Cast Hanna Glawari / Widow Máire Flavin
The fabulous Banqueting Room of Bath’s Guildhall, a venue recently described on Radio 3 as ‘the most beautiful concert hall in the country’, hosts this glamorous performance, fully sung in English, costumed and performed Viennese salon-style.
Danilo James McOran-Campbell
Join us celebrating the first night of the Iford Arts 2020 season at the gala reception in the Brunswick Room prior to the performance on Saturday 23 May.
Valencienne ‘It tickled the fancy, plucked the heartstrings, and whisked Lehar’s Emily Vine Camille Robin Bailey
waltzes into the lightest of confections; a perfection of verbal wit and comic timing.’ The Times TICKETS
£ 8 5 (Sat) Includes Gala Champagne Reception with canapés and some unexpected musical surprises, in the Brunswick Room from 6pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm (ends approx. 9.30pm) Under 18s go free – enquire at Box Office. Njegus
Baron Zeta Toby Stafford Allen Simon Butteriss
£ 5 9 (Sun) Performance starts at 5pm (ends approx. 7pm) Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362 Under 18s go free – enquire at Box Office.
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 6
CARMEN Georges Bizet Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon Conductor Oliver Gooch Director James Hurley Designer Holly Pigott Lighting Designer Ben Pickersgill Orchestra CHROMA Chamber Ensemble Cast To be announced, see ifordarts.org.uk
A N E W I F O R D A RT S P R O D U C T I O N SUNG IN ENGLISH
August 29 | September 1 | 2 | 4 No opera is more requested. No opera is so anticipated. And no opera is more beloved than Bizet's Carmen, presented for the first time in Iford Arts history. Carmen, the brazen and indomitable seductress, lives in the fast lane, avid for existence. The fiery gypsy gets any man she wants—and then gets rid of him when a better one comes along. When she sets her sights on Corporal Don José, he doesn’t stand a chance. He’s smitten and gives up everything—his career, his mother, even the girl he’s going to marry—to be with the sultry siren. For a while, they revel in passion. But then Carmen meets a famous matador and dumps Don José in a heartbeat. This time, though, she has finally pushed a man too far. And then there is the music! Carmen is so packed full of memorable melodies that it’s guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. From the barnstorming orchestral Prelude to the macho Toreador Song, via the sexy Habanera and sultry Seguidilla, this is like a nineteenthcentury collection of three-minute pop songs from start to finish. Iford’s new Artistic Director, Oliver Gooch, takes to the podium and James Hurley, whose inventive staging of Elixir of Love last year garnered great reviews, makes a welcome return. Our stunning geodesic dome hosts this new production presented for the first time in the history of Iford Arts, in the round in the breath taking environs of Grade 1 listed Belcombe. ‘It was like stepping into an alternate universe. A beautiful house, exquisite grounds, ample nooks and crannies for picnics, a thousand twinkling candles…I want everyone I know to have the pleasure of coming.’ TICKETS
£130-£145
Gates open at 5pm for picnics. Performances start at 7pm. Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362 £ 4 2 restricted view seats. Under 18s go free – enquire at Box Office.
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 7
A C I S A N D G A L AT E A George Frideric Handel Holy Trinity Church, Bradford-on-Avon Conductor Christian Curnyn
T H E E A R LY O P E R A C O M PA N Y P R E S E N T A C I S A N D G A L AT E A , A S E M I - S TA G E D C O N C E R T
September 19
Orchestra Early Opera Company Ensemble Cast Acis Nick Pritchard Galatea Mary Bevan Damon/Coridon Jorge Navarro Colorado Polyphemus Lukas Jakobski
Mary Bevan
Nick Pritchard
‘Find anything happening in period opera in the UK and Curnyn will be involved, whether it’s conducting at the Wanamaker, ROH or ENO, recording Handel or directing his own projects’ Alexandra Coghlan, The Spectator
Acis and Galatea, shepherd and nymph, are blissfully in love. Their idyll is darkened by a louring cyclops, Polyphemus, who stalks Galatea, obsessed and burning with brutish lust. When his grotesque serenades fail to draw Galatea he simply crushes Acis to death with a boulder. There follows one of Handel’s most breathtaking musical moments as he depicts a transcendent and mystical process: as Acis dies he is transformed, through Galatea’s love, into a bubbling spring, and returns to the natural world. First performed in 1718 for the Earl of Carnavon, this – his first English masterpiece – has all the astonishing variety of invention which later secures Handel’s recognition as one of the all-time greats of opera composition. Iford Arts is truly delighted to welcome again Christian Curnyn and the familiar virtuosi of the Early Opera Company. They trail an awesome reputation and their ever-growing list of award-winning recordings includes Acis and Galatea. The stunning cast for this staged concert performance features several Iford favourites: Mary Bevan is Galatea, Nick Pritchard is Acis and Lukas Jakobski reprises his role as Polyphemus. Holy Trinity Church is a 12th century building in the heart of Bradfordon-Avon which has recently undergone a £2million transformation. It is newly revealed as truly gracious and welcoming, with something of the feel of a renaissance palazzo, complete with a lovely acoustic and comfortable seating. We are thrilled to use it for this unique occasion which, in the hands of Curnyn, promises to be a fitting climax to our 2020 season. Book early! TICKETS
£ 2 9 – £ 7 9 Performance starts at 7:45pm Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362 Under 18's go free – enquire at Box Office There will be a bar at this event.
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 8
PROMS & CONCERTS 2019
PCROO M S & NCERTS CONC ERTS 2 0 17 2020
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IFORD ARTS PICNIC PROM CLARE TEAL AND HER TRIO Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Friday August 28 CLARE TEAL AND HER TRIO Brand New Show for 2020 with special guest Giacomo Smith. She’s back! After the unprecedented success of last year's Prom at Belcombe, we’ve invited award winning jazz vocalist and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal back. This brand new show promises a rich jazz‑infused repertoire in its many forms bringing you more exhilarating swing as Clare and her Trio celebrate 100 years of pop music. Featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British Song books and contemporary writers creating the standards of today. Clare Teal’s concerts with her Trio are constantly evolving and renowned across the country for their fabulous arrangements interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling. Joined by special guest Giacomo Smith on Clarinet and Alto Sax, you are you are guaranteed an evening of inspired music and unbridled entertainment performed by the very best.
And there’s more… Bring a picnic and spend time exploring the secret pathways and walled gardens in these glorious grounds rarely open to the public. Stumble across music, entertainment and more. Keep an eye on what’s in store by visiting the website. ‘Some singers sing standards, some sing their own material, but very few do both and even fewer do it well. Clare Teal is one of those rarities’ The Observer POP UP BAR – please support the Festival and buy your drinks from the bar. TICKETS
£ 38
Gates open 5pm for picnics Main music after 7pm Ends 9.30/9.45pm
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 10
Photography by Dylan Nolte
IFORD ARTS PICNIC PROM C L A S S I C O L AT I N O with Finale Fireworks Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Saturday September 5 C L A S S I C O L AT I N O The award-winning Classico Latino seamlessly blends the techniques and sounds of classical music with authentic Latin American rhythms and melodies. Creating unique and groundbreaking arrangements alongside original compositions, the group’s performances appeal to a wide audience drawn from all cultural backgrounds. Drawing on the familiar Bolero and Tango as well as lesser known rhythms, Classico Latino’s music tells the amazingly varied stories and emotions of Latin America. The group’s fifth album, Havana Classic, named runner-up Album of the Year in the 2019 UK Latin Awards, released in September 2019, captures the essence of Cuba’s traditional music, reimagined through the unique arrangements and sound of Classico Latino. TICKETS
£ 38
Gates open 5pm for picnics Main music after 7pm Ends at 9.30 with fireworks
Take a break from your picnic and join Classico Latino in the dome for a drop-in dance workshop where participants will have the opportunity to dance to authentic Latin-American rhythms and songs with the band prior to their performance. ‘A unique fusion of Latin and Classical with beautiful musicality’ UK Latin Awards And there’s more… Bring a picnic and spend time exploring the secret pathways and walled gardens in these glorious grounds rarely open to the public. Stumble across music, entertainment and more. Keep an eye on what’s in store by visiting the website. POP UP BAR – please support the Festival and buy your drinks from the bar.
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 11
I F O R D A R T S N E W G E N E R AT I O N A R T I S T S IN CONCERT WITH OLIVER GOOCH Popular operatic arias and ensembles
Sunday August 30 A highlight of the Iford Arts season, the Young Artists concert is always a huge draw! In fact, it sold out so quickly last year that we’ve incorporated an additional performance to accommodate the very high demand for tickets – do book early! Handpicked from the New Generation Artists Programme by Iford Arts Artistic Director, Oliver Gooch, four professional emerging artists present an evening of popular arias and ensembles, semi-staged under our impressive geodesic dome. It is their chance to step into the limelight and your opportunity to hear the most exciting young talent. Well-loved by our seasoned opera-goers, this concert also presents the perfect opportunity for newcomers to sample what we do best. Or perhaps it’s a first taster for the younger audience? Presented twice, there is ample time to picnic before or after the performance and explore the beautiful eighteenth century gardens of Belcombe Court making this event a true experience! A B O U T T H E N E W G E N E R AT I O N P R O G R A M M E The Iford Arts young artists’ scheme began in 2010 and some 50 artists have benefitted from its support and guidance. Each year Iford Arts select a talented crop of young artists to take part in their New Generation Artists Programme, a bespoke scheme combining performance and training opportunities.
New Generation Artists, 2019.
American Museum, Bath.
We extend opportunities to young Directors, Conductors, Designers, Costume and Stage Managers, as well as Hair & Make-up Artists, recognising the unique integration of these disciplines offered by opera. Under the leadership of Oliver Gooch, Iford Arts is committed to supporting emerging talent and continues each year to improve, adjust and develop its young artists programme. As well as our ongoing and fruitful relationship with Morag McLaren and Cooper Hall in Frome, this year marks a new and exciting collaboration with the American Museum which will see a selection of our young artists performing American 20th Century music for the Museum’s July 4th celebrations. For more information regarding our New Generation Artists Programme, please contact andreaasbury@ifordarts.org.uk TICKETS £25 One concert of 1 hour at either: 6pm or 8.15pm Gardens open for picnics at 5pm (for both performances) Under 18s go free, enquire at Box Office.
Cooper Hall, Frome.
‘The benefits have been abundant – I met many important contacts, grew as a performer, was provided with many new skills both vocally and dramatically and I re-gained a passion for performance. Nothing short of wonderful!’. Jana Holesworth, 2019 New Generation Artist
For information on how to book, see page 15, visit www ifordarts org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362 12
ABOUT YOUR VISIT Banqueting Room, Guildhall High Street, Bath BA1 5AW Nearest Train Station: Bath Spa 10 minute walk
Holy Trinity Church Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LW Nearest train station: Bradford-on-Avon 5 minute walk Parking: There is no nearby parking at the church, however there is some on street parking. The nearest car parks are: St Margaret’s or the station car park. All parking is free after 6pm. Children: aged 12+ only. Belcombe Court Belcombe Road, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LZ Nearest train station: Bradford-on-Avon 20 minute walk (or 5 minute drive from station) Opera performance space: Our spectacular geodesic dome will sit in the otherworldly gardens of the Grade 1 listed Belcombe Court. Children: aged 12+ only. Picnics: Guests are welcome to bring picnics, table and chairs or picnic rugs. Undercover picnicking places are available, subject to availability, for £10 per person via the Bath Box Office and must be booked in advance. Our lovely crew are on hand to help you find the perfect picnicking spot. Parking: There is ample free parking opposite the venue, stewards will direct you on arrival.
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Resolution Dynamics Conflict Avoidance, Management and Dispute Resolution Consultants Advanced Mediation Practitioners IGC inter-generational conflict specialists
Are pleased to support Iford Arts and look forward to a wonderful 2020 opera season For an initial confidential, no-obligation discussion, please contact: Charles Horn MSc MCIArb CEDR  cdh@resolutiondynamics.co.uk
TY_W138xH97mm_IFORD_ARTS_PRINT.pdf
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A M E R I C A N M U S E U M H A L F PA G E A D V E R T
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HOW TO BOOK General Booking opens Wednesday 19 February 2020 at 9.30am Please note all transactions are subject to a booking fee of ÂŁ1 PER ORDER, whether made in person at Bath Box Office, by post, telephone or online regardless of how many tickets are booked. ON-LINE
UNDER 18S GO FREE
Please visit www.ifordarts.org.uk
Free tickets for young adults between 12 and 18 accompanied by full price adult ticket holder. Offer applies to The Merry Widow, Carmen, Acis & Galatea and the New Generation Artists concerts only. Please contact Bath Box Office for more information.
BY TELEPHONE Bath Box Office 01225 463 362 open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday inc Bank Holidays. V I S I T B AT H B O X O F F I C E At Bath Visitor Information Centre, Bridgwater House, 2 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday inc Bank Holidays. R E D U C E D P R I C E S E AT S Please contact the Box Office direct regarding availability. ENJOY PRIORITY BOOKING For more information on the benefits of supporting Iford Arts please visit www ifordarts org.uk/get-involved.
PLEASE NOTE Reservations will be held for a maximum of four days. All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be returned to the box office to be resold. We can only offer this service if an event is sold out (ÂŁ2 fee). Please note any transaction, booking or postage fees are always non-refundable. By purchasing tickets you are entering into an agreement with the Promoter of the event not Bath Box Office. Full terms and conditions can be found at bathboxoffice.org.uk
Iford Arts Ltd 15 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LL Telephone 01225 868124 Email: music@ifordarts.org.uk Iford Arts is a registered charity in England No. 4352244. Reg Charity No. 1091312 Bath Box Office 01225 463 362 www.ifordarts.org.uk.
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IFORD ARTS 2020 – BOOKING FORM Please indicate 1st, 2nd 3rd choice
May SAT 23
THE MERRY WIDOW
TOTA L
No. of tickets
£85
S U N 2 4 THE MERRY WIDOW
£59
August FR I 28
PICNIC PROM WITH CLARE TEAL
SAT 29
CARMEN PREMIUM
£145
CARMEN REGULAR
£130
£38
S U N 3 0 NEW GENER ATION ARTISTS IN CONCERT 6pm £25
S U N 3 0 NEW GENER ATION ARTISTS IN CONCERT 8.15pm £25
September T U ES 1
CARMEN PREMIUM
£145
CARMEN REGULAR
£130
WED 2
CARMEN PREMIUM
£145
CARMEN REGULAR
£130
FR I 4
CARMEN PREMIUM
£145
CARMEN REGULAR
£130
SAT 5
PICNIC PROM WITH CLASSICO LATINO
£38
SAT 19
ACIS & GALATEA PREMIUM
£79
ACIS & GALATEA REGULAR
£59
ACIS & GALATEA RESTRICTED VIEW
£29
Sub Total
*Please note there are a limited number of restricted view seats available at every performance of Carmen. The seats are on the ground level situated between seating blocks. See Box Office website for seating plan.
Bath Box Office booking fee @ £1 per order
£ £ 1.00
Postage £1 (if not sending SAE)
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Please return this form with an SAE to: Bath Box Office, Bath Information Centre, Bridgwater House, 2 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN I have enclosed an SAE (please tick) NA ME
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Hitting the right note for all our property owners since 1855 Carter Jonas are proud sponsors of Iford Arts
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Sales and lettings property agents 01225 747250 5 & 6 Wood Street, Bath BA1 2JQ carterjonas.co.uk/bath 19
IFORD ARTS F E S T I VA L 2020
OPERA PROMS CONCERTS
IFORD ARTS LTD 15 MARKET STREET BRADFORD-ON-AVON BA15 1LL Registered charity no. 1091312 Registered in England no. 4352244
01225 868 124 WWW.IFORDARTS.ORG.UK