21 AUGUST – 18 SEPTEMBER 2021
Welcome back Our season this year is literally a ‘shot in the arm’, a defiant, creative response to the challenges facing us all. As the situation has evolved, so have we. With the appointment of Michael Volpe (former OHP chief ) earlier in the year as our Interim Executive Director, we are incredibly proud to present our season in the enchanting surroundings of Belcombe Court as guests of Paul and Caroline Weiland. We have plenty to offer you in our new Saddlespan structure: the ever-popular annual Prom features Classico Latino, an award-winning group who bring passion and vitality to the world of Latin-American music. Our family performances of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf will bring young people face-to-face with one of the greatest musical works for children. At the heart of our season, we present perhaps the most famous double-bill of all time, Cav and Pag. Sung in Italian with surtitles, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana (“Rustic Chivalry”) will be presented in a concert version entitled MezzoCav. Alongside the famous Intermezzo, international British soprano, Susan Bullock, leads the cast and chorus in the most memorable parts of the opera, including the gloriously uplifting Easter Hymn. This is followed by Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci,fully staged and produced in partnership with Opera Ensemble. Christopher Luscombe’s production has already received rave reviews and the all-star cast is led by Elin Pritchard as Nedda and Peter Auty as her cuckolded husband Canio. Robert Hayward, Nicholas Lester and Aled Hall complete the stellar line-up. It is an undeniable masterpiece of the verismo tradition, filled with violent jealousy, passionate love and everything in between. Our Young Artists Scheme continues to go from strength to strength. This year we celebrate our tenth anniversary with our first fully staged cover showing. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone new to opera to ‘give it a go’ and hear some incredibly exciting emerging talent. Our season is rounded off with a much-anticipated return of Christian Curnyn and his Early Opera Company with a performance of Handel’s Acis and Galatea. In celebration of Judy Eglington and her achievements over twenty five years, it should be a fitting and celebratory end to our season. Do join us! Oliver Gooch, Artistic Director
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Support Iford Arts
There are many ways to support Iford Arts. Our Patronage Schemes underpin our vital work and enable us to ensure that all generations have access to great live music. Without our family of Patrons, Friends and Volunteers who support us so generously, we would not be in a position to continue creating our exceptional opera productions, deliver inspiring education projects or honour our commitment to nurturing emerging talent. There are various levels of support and different ways to engage with us and strengthen your involvement.
Become a Friend: £80 Friends benefit from priority booking and regular updates.
Become an Iford Arts Patron:
Volunteer with us: Our volunteers and hosts are the backbone of our organisation and we thank each one of them for their continued support. We offer a host of opportunities including stewarding, accommodating artists and musicians, catering, costumes and set painting, technical support and administration. Iford Arts is a registered charity and has been an important part of our cultural landscape for more than 25 years. Iford Arts has established itself as the home for opera in the South West and our success depends hugely on your support. For more information on becoming a Patron or on volunteering please email: music@ifordarts.org.uk
Entry level Patronage starts at £500 with our Visionaries donating upwards of £5000 to support our activity. All patronage offers priority booking, prime picnicking and helps secure our future as an organisation. Your support gives us the stability to build on our New Generation Artist Programme, our Education Outreach work and ensures the continued quality of our productions.
Book now ifordarts.org.uk Bath Box Office 01225 463 362 3
PERFORMANCE DIARY
PICNIC PROM with Classico Latino Saturday 21 August PETER AND THE WOLF with Orpheus Sinfonia Sunday 22 August MEZZOCAV & PAGLIACCI Saturday 28 August Sunday 29 August Monday 30 August IFORD ARTS NEW GENERATION ARTISTS MATINEE PERFORMANCE OF PAGLIACCI Sunday 29 August ACIS & GALATEA Saturday 18 September
For information on how to book, see page 10, visit ifordarts.org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
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PROMS & CONCERTS CLASSICO LATINO
Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon
Iford Arts Picnic Prom
SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
The award-winning Classico Latino seamlessly blends the techniques and sounds of classical music with authentic Latin American rhythms and melodies. Creating unique and ground-breaking 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.
Take a break from your picnic and join Classico Latino in the Saddlespan 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. TICKET PRICES £39.00 Gates open at 5pm for picnics Main music: from 7pm End: 9-9:15pm approx.
More bands to be announced, keep an eye on our website ifordarts.org.uk 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. POP UP BAR – please support the Festival and buy your drinks from the bar. *the drop-in dance workshop will only go ahead if restrictions surrounding covid-19 permit.
Not suitable for children under the age of 12
“The prom evening was just superb. We were greeted by a young helper/ porter who carried our picnic table and chairs to a suitable position overlooking the lake – an excellent touch. There was lovely music to greet us as we entered the garden! It was a magical evening in a magical setting…” Prom goer 2019
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For more information on how to book, see page 10, visit ifordarts.org.uk or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
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PROMS & CONCERTS PETER AND THE WOLF
Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon
Sergei Prokofiev Orpheus Sinfonia
SUNDAY 22 AUGUST
This delightful concert, suitable for all the family, will bring young people face-to-face with one of the greatest musical works for children – Prokofiev’s colourful Peter and the Wolf. Written for a children’s theatre in Moscow in 1936, this enduring musical story is based on an original narration by the composer. With each character in the story represented by a different instrument and sound, Peter and the Wolf offers the perfect introduction to the orchestra. Come and meet Peter, his grandfather, the hunters, the villainous wolf and a whole menagerie of animals – all brought to life by Oliver Gooch and the dynamic Orpheus Sinfonia, who will set things going with their unique interactive introduction to the orchestra. Conductor: Oliver Gooch Guest narrator: Keep an eye on our website to find out who our exciting narrator will be. TICKET PRICES £18.00 Adult £9.00 Child (5-18) Gates open 45 minutes before each performance. Guests are welcome to explore the glorious grounds at Belcombe. First Performance: 3.00pm End: 4.15pm Second Performance: 5.15pm End: 6.20pm Performances will take place in a spectacular Saddlespan structure. With its simple architectural design and clean modern shape the Saddlespan offers amazing acoustics. This indoor/outdoor structure allows us to accommodate a larger socially distanced audience in a safe environment.
“Superb playing by the Orpheus Sinfonia… delivers the highest level of excellence.” Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph
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For more information on how to book, see page 10, visit ifordarts.org.uk or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
OPERA
MEZZOCAV and PAGLIACCI Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni, libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci Pagliacci with music and libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo
Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon SUNG IN ITALIAN with English surtitles
AUGUST 28 | 29 | 30
Perhaps the most famous operatic double-bill of all time, ‘Cav and Pag’ will be presented at Iford Arts for the first time in its twenty-seven year history. Both works are undeniable masterpieces of the verismo tradition and share dramatic concision, melodic richness and an obsession with violent jealousy. Produced in partnership with Opera Ensemble and directed by Christopher Luscombe, Leoncavallo’s masterpiece Pagliacci (“Clowns”) tells the fatal story of a troupe of actors, whose performance is overtaken by real-life jealousy and revenge.
MEZZOCAV & PAGLIACCI Pietro Mascagni
TICKET PRICES £95.00 (undercover) £79.00 – £49.00 (under the stars) Under 18s go free enquire at Box Office Gates open: 5pm for picnics Performance: 7pm End: 9.50pm Performances will take place in a spectacular Saddlespan structure. With its simple architectural design and clean modern shape the Saddlespan offers amazing acoustics. This indoor/outdoor structure allows us to accommodate a larger socially distanced audience in a safe environment. The evening will begin with a concert presentation of the most loved parts of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana (“Rustic Chivalry”) which we have called MezzoCav. Alongside the famous Intermezzo, international British soprano, Susan Bullock leads the cast and chorus in the most memorable parts of the opera, including the gloriously uplifting Easter Hymn.
Ruggero Leoncavallo
MEZZOCAV CONCERT: Conductor: Oliver Gooch Cast: Susan Bullock Paul Carey Jones Christopher Turner Chorus: Iford Arts Festival Chorus Orchestra: CHROMA PAGLIACCI PRODUCTION: Director: Christopher Luscombe Conductor: Oliver Gooch Orchestra: CHROMA Cast: NEDDA Elin Pritchard CANIO Peter Auty TONIO Robert Hayward SILVIO Nicholas Lester BEPPE Aled Hall
For more information on how to book, see page 10, visit ifordarts.org.uk or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
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OPERA THE IFORD ARTS NEW GENERATION ARTISTS PRESENT:
PAGLIACCI Music and libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo
Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon SUNG IN ITALIAN with English surtitles
SUNDAY 29 AUGUST
This year, we shall be offering our New Generation Artists their very own cover showing of our main stage opera, Pagliacci. They will have the opportunity to work with prestigious director Christopher Luscombe over a few days to bring this wonderful opera to life, accompanied by Oliver Gooch and a small instrumental ensemble from CHROMA.
We have made the prices for this performance extremely accessible, giving newcomers the perfect occasion to experience the power of opera in a unique setting. TICKET PRICES £29.00 (under the canopy) £18-22 (not covered) Under 18s go free enquire at Box Office
Performance starts at 2:30pm, running time approx. 1hr 20 mins Gates will open 45 mins prior to the performance for you to enjoy the gardens at Belcombe. Please note there is no picnicking at this performance.
About the Iford Arts New Generation Programme In addition to its acclaimed productions, Iford Arts has run its New Generation Artists Programme since 2010 – a bespoke training programme that gives invaluable opportunities to young directors, conductors, designers, musicians, technical staff and stage managers. Many of our alumni have become ‘family members’ of Iford Arts, climbing the musical ladder from the ensemble to principal artist. The annual Cooper Hall residency, led by Morag McLaren, remains a much-valued aspect of the training programme. By supporting our artists, both musically and pastorally, we aim to enhance and further unlock their creative potential as well as introduce the opera industry to many bright stars of the future.
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For more information on how to book, see page 10, visit ifordarts.org.uk or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
OPERA THE EARLY OPERA COMPANY PRESENTS:
Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LZ
ACIS AND GALATEA –
SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
A SEMI-STAGED CONCERT
Iford Arts is truly delighted to welcome back Christian Curnyn and the familiar virtuosi of Early Opera Company for Handel’s 1718 pastoral serenata Acis and Galatea. The cast for this semi-staged concert performance includes several Iford favourites: Anna Dennis as Galatea, Nick Pritchard as Acis, Jorge Navarro Colorado as Damon and Edward Grint as the brutish giant Polyphemus. The music is always accessible, infectious and affecting. It features 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. We are thrilled to present the performance in Holy Trinity Church, by the river, in the heart of Bradford on Avon. Built in the 12th century, it has recently undergone a £2million transformation and we are excited to be able to use it for this unique occasion. The performance will celebrate our Founding Creative Director, Judy Eglington and her extraordinary achievements over the past twenty five years. Book early. We anticipate high demand for this event.
Conductor: Christian Curnyn Orchestra: Early Opera Company Ensemble Cast: ACIS GALATEA DAMON/CORIDON POLYPHEMUS CHORUS TENOR
Nick Pritchard Anna Dennis Jorge Navarro Colorado Edward Grint David de Winter
TICKET PRICES £59 – £79 £29 Restricted view seats (limited number) Under 18s go free enquire at Box Office
Christian Curnyn
Performance starts: 7pm
“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
For more information on how to book, see page 10, visit ifordarts.org.uk or call Bath Box Office: 01225 463 362
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How to book Plans are in place to go ahead with a season of socially distanced events in the Saddlespan at Belcombe. Acis & Galatea at Holy Trinity Church will go ahead on the basis that the audience does not have to be socially distanced. The recent timeline announced by the Government has given us further confidence that we will be able to deliver our plans this summer safely and successfully. In the event of cancellation due to Covid all tickets are refundable. General booking opens Monday 19 April 2021. Please note all transactions are subject to a booking fee of £1 PER ORDER, whether made in person at Bath Box Office, by post, telephone or online regardless of how many tickets are booked. ONLINE Please visit www.ifordarts.org.uk BY TELEPHONE Bath Box Office 01225 463 362 open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday inc Bank Holidays. ENJOY PRIORITY BOOKING For more information on the benefits of supporting Iford Arts please visit www.ifordarts.org.uk/get-involved UNDER 18S GO FREE Offer applies young adults between 12 and 18 to MezzoCav and Pagliacci, Young Artists performance of Pagliacci and Acis and Galtea. Please contact the Box Office for more information. Please note any transaction, booking or postage fees are always non-refundable. 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 10
www.ifordarts.org.uk
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Ifordarts.org.uk Bath Box Office 01225 463362 @ifordarts #ifordarts
Venue addresses: Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LZ Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LW
Iford Arts Ltd 15 Market Street Bradford on Avon BA15 1LL 01225 868 124 Registered charity no. 1091312 Registered in England no. 4352244