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Enjoy stunning music in the spectacular setting of Belcombe Court this Summer
After a successful first season Bradford on Avon’s own opera company, If Opera, is back with another season of rare gems and family favourites. Based in Belcombe Court and Wiltshire Music Centre, the 2023 programme has something for everyone, from opera lovers, those new to opera, picnic prom devotees and families too.
Don't miss the rare chance to be swept away by the great Italian melodrama Fedora. This story of love, murder and betrayal is experiencing an international revival with acclaimed productions at The Met and La Scala last year. Princess Fedora’s status can do nothing to protect her from the vagaries of romance and jealousy, as she unwittingly betrays the man she loves to tragic ends.
Children and adults alike are invited to join Alice on her trip down the rabbit hole in Will Todd's jazz-infused Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Eleven year old Alice is jolted out of her daydreams when she meets a talking rabbit and follows him to a mysterious Wonderland. There she meets several peculiar characters and learns all is not well with a very cross Queen of Hearts seeming keen to chop off everybody's heads. Will Alice be able to save Wonderland?
You’re invited to book a seat at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party table before the show and meet some of Wonderland's characters. Or, as with all If Opera’s performances at Belcombe Court, bring a picnic and explore these gorgeous grounds.
The award winning Charles Court Opera bring their 5-star production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious satire The Mikado to delight audiences for two nights.
And the 2023 Picnic Prom sees jazz legend, Jason Rebello, with remarkable vocalist Joy Rose (Incognito, Billy Ocean) performing original songs and old standards, from Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Cole Porter. The evening will finish in a raucous set by The Coalminers, a 7-piece band bringing New Orleans rhythm and soul alive, playing songs from Professor Longhair to Allen Toussaint, Mardi Gras parade anthems and ‘swampy funk’.
To finish the season, the company is delighted to be performing Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre, a purpose built concert hall also in Bradford on Avon. Tchaikovsky’s final opera is a fairy tale about the transformative power of love. Princess Iolanta is blind, but with the arrival of Count Vaudemont, and through love’s true power, she magically gains her sight. This beautiful opera with aria after aria and a gorgeous central duet climaxes in a final exultant ensemble which is without question one of Tchaikovsky’s most powerful creations.
To book tickets for any of the If Opera performances visit ifopera.com or call the Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362
Iford Arts Limited
15 Market Street
Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LL
