The new opera house, designed by RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architects Witherford Watson Mann in conjunction with theatre designers Sound Space Vision, is extremely intelligent as the exterior of the building appears entirely unaltered. This, as much as anything, ensures that entering the intimate, aesthetically pleasing and acoustically excellent interior, is a delightful surprise, and this is before we even come to the beautiful gardens and breath-taking views that can be taken in during a visit.
The season’s second production is Così fan tutte, which begins on 26 June. It will be directed by Adele Thomas, who is about to take on Handel’s Berenice in the Royal Opera House’s newly reopened Linbury Studio, while sets and costumes will be designed by Hannah Clarke. Promising an elegant Art Deco staging, this presentation represents a revival of the original hit production from Northern Ireland Opera and will see a continuation of the partnership with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, under the baton of Chalmers. Kiandra Howarth plays Fiordiligi, having sung the role for West Green House Opera in 2016, and Nick Pritchard sings Ferrando, having also played the part for Opera Holland Park last year. After the festival closes, this Così fan tutte will journey to the Sage Gateshead for two fully staged performances on 5 and 6 July, having also visited that venue in 2018.
As with all summer opera venues, people are free to bring their own picnics, but there are a range of dining options available. These include those offered by Nevill Holt Opera’s guest chef, Ben Tish, while 2019 also sees a brand new partnership with event caterers Payne & Gunter who will provide a three-course gourmet dining experience in their pop-up restaurant.
Nevill Holt Opera’s 2019 season runs from 12 June to 2 July. For full details and tickets visit the Nevill Holt Opera website.