With Jane playing in the orchestra, it was a treat to see Longborough Festival Opera’s production of Ariadne on 13 July. On a perfect evening, to see the prodcution and have a picnic supper on the terrace with that marvellous view couldn’t have been a better evening.

This was a delightful production by Alan Privett with a spacious, contemporary set by Faye Bradley which was able to accommodate the brilliantly funny Prologue and the opera itself in a flexible way. The cast was excellent with notable performances from Helena Dix as the Prima Donna/Ariadne, Jonathan Stoughton as The Tenor/Bacchus and an impressive virtuosity from Robyn Allegra Parton as Zerbinetta. Anthony Negus conducted a beautifully paced performance with the admirable orchestra making a major contribution. Sadly, we won’t be able to get to the production of L’Incoronazione di Poppea which is now on, so I look forward to a return to Longborough for Wagner next year!

 

 

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