As Handel’s most enduring dramatic work (and originally composed for outdoor performance), this opera follows the romantic story of Acis, a mortal shepherd, and Galatea, an ethereal nymph, whose undying love is fated by the jealousy of the monstrous giant Polyphemus.
Friday 3 & Sunday 5 September 2021
Guests were invited to arrive early to explore the grounds, experience the sound installations, and catch the pre-show pop-up performances by members of the chorus and orchestra, before watching the main opera.
Kindly supported by The Rothschild Foundation.
REVIEWS
“Ingenious stagecraft and expert musicianship”
The Stage
“With Music Director Jonathan Darbourne firmly at the helm and slick direction from Sophie Gilpin, this production was funny, accessible and entertaining. The Vache Baroque festival is local, intimate and rather special.”
London Unattached
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“The actors/singers and musicians were amazing, giving a truly memorable performance.”
“…first class performers… imaginative set and production… beautiful setting.”
“Loved the joyful approach to the opera, the costumes and set were a highlight.”
“…excellent pre-show short concerts… talented young cast…”
“Loved the casual outdoor atmosphere…”
Galatea Rowan Pierce
Acis James Way
Polyphemus Tristan Hambleton
Coridon Esther Mallett
Mezzo Chorus Nancy Holt
Damon I Rory Carver
Damon II Guy Elliott
Bass Chorus Oskar McCarthy
Violin I Michael Gurevich
Violin II Naomi Burrell
Cello Gavin Kibble
Double Bass Carina Cosgrave
Oboe I/Recorder II Joel Raymond
Oboe II/Recorder I Oonagh Lee
Theorbo Toby Carr
Harpsichord Jonathan Darbourne
Music Director Jonathan Darbourne
Director Sophie Gilpin
Designer Laura Jane Stanfield
Movement Monica Nicolaides
Lighting Designer Andrew Ellis
Sound Installations Dan Samsa, Naomi Burrell & Jonathan Darbourne
Hair & Make Up Carol Fowler
Company Stage Manager Betty Makharinsky
Event Producer Daniel Makharinsky
Production Assistants Gabrielle Court and James Larbow
Photographers The Photography Shed & Ben Tomlin
Videographer Ben Tomlin
Sound Engineer Peter Heaps
As Handel’s most enduring dramatic work (and originally composed for outdoor performance), this beautiful tale of love, tragedy and prevailing hope will transport you to the mythical utopia of nymphs and shepherds.
The story follows the romantic story of Acis, a mortal shepherd, and Galatea, an ethereal nymph, whose undying love is fated by the jealousy of the monstrous giant Polyphemus.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We encourage you to arrive early to explore the beautiful grounds, experience the sound installations, catch the pre-show pop-up performances by members of the chorus and orchestra, savour the food on offer from Rosehip+Rye, or treat yourself to a cocktail from the VBF bar, before watching the opera.
3.30pm
4.30pm
5.30pm
6.30pm
Grounds Open
Pop-Up One: Songs
Pop-Up Two: Instrumental
Main Performance
Running time is c. 90 minutes.
There will be a short interval.
