Monday 20 June 2022

Youthful enterprise: Longhope Opera is presenting Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore with an entire company under 30 years old

Longhope Opera
Longhope Opera

Longhope Opera is an annual event on the Longhope Estate in Newton Valence, Hampshire, which not only gives guests the experience of enjoying opera and other events in the grounds of the beautiful estate, but also provides support for emerging professionals. This year, Scherzo Ensemble, artistic director Matthew O'Keeffe, will be presenting staged performances of Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore with an entire company (performers, creatives, technical staff and management) under 30 years old. 

In October 2021, I caught Matthew O'Keeffe, Scherzo Ensemble and the Strand Consort in Bach's St Matthew Passion [see my review] and Matthew is also the artistic director of Brixton Chamber Orchestra [see my article]

The aim is to help young practitioners gain paid professional experience and build their confidence to create and produce projects independently. Everyone involved also contributes to areas outside of their specialism, enhancing team-spirit and insight into the artistic process.

This year's performances include Astrid Joos as Adina, James Beddoe as Nemorino, Benoît Déchelotte as Belcore and William Stevens as Dulcamara. There will also be a special performance for children; working together with the Hampshire Music Service, Longhope Opera have invited hundreds of children to enjoy the opera and a picnic dinner at the charming estate.

In previous years, Scherzo Ensemble has presented Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Rossini's The Barber of Seville and Il turco in Italia at Longhope.

Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore is at Longhope Opera on 2 and 3 July 2022. Prior to the opera performances, there are chamber performances in the grounds. Full details from the Longhope Opera website.

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