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The opening of the annual Glyndebourne Tour at its Sussex home is one of the highlights of the autumn: a perfect treat for all opera lovers. This year’s productions include two of the most popular operas in the repertoire: Mariame Clément’s much-anticipated new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Annabel Arden’s hugely successful production of Donizetti’s bittersweet bucolic comedy L’elisir d’amore.
The first holiday is based at The Grand in Eastbourne, and includes two afternoon operas, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the remarkable collection at the Towner Gallery. Based at Alex Polizzi’s new hotel, The Star in Alfriston, the second holiday begins with an evening at Glyndebourne, followed by a second performance on the final afternoon.
10 November departure
The Grand Hotel overlooks the English Channel, a short walk from the centre of Eastbourne and from Devonshire Park and the Towner Art Gallery. It has spacious public lounges, restaurants and bars, and an impressive spa with indoor pool, gym, solarium and treatment rooms. Free use of the spa’s facilities is included. Our concerts will be held in the Compton Room. Bedrooms are comfortable and well appointed. You can choose between an inland facing room or a room with a sea view.
22 November departures
Olga and Alex Polizzi unveiled their latest venture to enormous critical acclaim in the summer of 2021. Dating back to 1345, this was a historic hostelry on the route between Battle Abbey and Chichester, and its 15th Century façade remains unchanged, as does the extravagantly beamed bar. Behind this, a charming, leafy courtyard now leads to 30 comfortable and stylish bedrooms, each combining new and antique furniture alongside works by local artists. The hotel has an elegant restaurant and cosy lounges. There is no lift at The Star but staff are there to help you with your luggage. There is a gated private car park right behind the hotel. The Star is located on Alfriston’s famously picturesque high street with its selection of galleries and shops, notably the wonderful Much Ado bookshop, one of the finest in the country.
...when you travel with Kirker
barry.cheeseman@kirkerholidays.com
Barry Cheeseman has been the Manager of the Kirker Cultural Tours & Music Holidays programme for over 10 years.
Barry has been an opera lover for more than 40 years and has seen and heard every major singer during this period. He loves the challenges of organising complex arts events and working closely with the musicians. Out of the office, Barry manages to fit in time to organise his own Chamber Music Festival in North Norfolk where he lives
Patrick Bade taught for the University of Glasgow MA programme at Christie’s Education in London. He had worked at Christie’s since 1981, where he also gave courses on the history of opera.
During his career he has lectured at the Jewish Cultural Centre, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Opera House and the University of Barcelona. Patrick has also participated in programmes on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Classic FM. His first book Femme Fatale: Images of Evil and Fascinating Women came out in 1978. Since then he has written monographs and essays on numerous 19th and early 20th century artists and his latest publications include a book on the use of music in World War II, Music Wars, 1937-45 and the essay Neo-Neoclassicism: Classicism between the Wars.
Don Giovanni by Mozart
First performed at The Estates Theatre, Prague on 25 October 1787
This new production by Marianne Clement of the perennial Glyndebourne favourite is included in the 2023 summer Festival before transferring to the autumn season.
The title role will be sung by the Ukrainian baritone Andrei Bondarenko, winner of the Song Prize in the 2011 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition which launched his international career. The Maltese tenor Nico Darmanin sings the role of Don Ottavio, Alexandra Lowe is Donna Elvira, Ksenia Prosshina is Donna Anna and Charlotte Bowden is Zerlina. The conductor is Stephanie Childress.
L’elisir d’amore by Gaetano Donizetti
First performed at the Teatro della Canobbiana, Milan on 12 May 1832.
Anabel Arden’s much loved production of Donizetti’s romantic comedy makes a welcome return to Glyndebourne.
Nemorino is sung by the New Zealand-Tongan tenor Felipe Manu, a graduate of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the royal Opera House Covent Garden. The Ethiopian born Italian soprano Mariam Battistelli is Adina, Belcore is Theodore Platt and the quack Tiziano Bracci. Adam Hickox conducts.
Cultural Tours Senior Executive
Barry Cheeseman has been the Manager of the Kirker Cultural Tours & Music Holidays programme for over 10 years.
Barry has been an opera lover for more than 40 years and has seen and heard every major singer during this period. He loves the challenges of organising complex arts events and working closely with the musicians. Out of the office, Barry manages to fit in time to organise his own Chamber Music Festival in North Norfolk where he lives
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