Claxton Opera
Pictures: Tony Ackers
Sadly, opera at The Old Meeting House (above) has come to an end. Parking problems and the never-ending removals in the house have just proved too much for Richard, and he and the wonderful team of helpers are sadly (though not noticeably), not getting any younger.
Plans for 2014
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Benjamin Britten
However, Richard's appetite for opera is in no way diminished, and plans are underway for a production of Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the beautiful, secluded garden of Ashby St. Mary Hall, only a stone's throw from the Old Meeting House on 10th, 11th, 12th and 17th, 18th, 19th July 2014. Our new Musical Director will be Geoffrey Davidson. The opera will be set in the 1930s. Plans for Titania and and Oberon to enter in a gilded conch shell across the miniature lake towed by fairies in walnut shells are under way! Can anyone loan us a c.1930s small builder's open truck? Our thanks go to Christopher and Anita Kemp, the owners of Ashby Hall, for their kind permission to stage this production in their garden.
History
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 64, is an opera with music by Benjamin Britten and set to a libretto adapted by the composer and Peter Pears from William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was premiered on 11 June 1960 at the Aldeburgh Festival, conducted by the composer and with set and costume designs by Carl Toms.
Source: Wikipedia
Sadly, Richard's beloved wife, Bobby, died on April 23rd 2013 after twenty uncomplaining years of very poor health. She will be much missed by her family and friends, and next year's production will be dedicated to her memory.
For more information please contact Sue, our administrator: sue@claxtonopera.co.uk
Glyndebourne and Claxton - two English Festivals