Country house opera builds rehearsal studios
OperaGarsington Opera is investing in the artform’s future.
Artistic director Douglas Boyd says:
‘Next season is going to be historical and ground-breaking for us because it will mark the opening of our studios.
‘There’s an incredible build going on at the top of the estate, which is going to be transformational.
‘At the moment we have to rehearse all over London, so now we can bring the whole festival on site and create state-of-the-art rehearsal conditions for up to four operas.’
So unlike our dear Arts Council England which is doing its best to minimise popera.
All this in the middle of nowhere (yes, a bit rude, but you know what I mean) and yet ACE cannot find the justification for a second opera house in the centre of London.
Similar argument for other large cities in the UK, with the exception of Leeds etc.
No shortage of potential demand for opera, just lack of interest lack of will, and in some cases, pure hostility. ACE, political parties (note plural), local authorities, educationalists, and the BBC should hang their heads in shame.