Bampton Classical Opera returns this summer with a vibrant new production of Antonio Salieri’s comic opera La locandiera (The Landlady), commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death with a witty and rarely-performed gem.
A highlight in Oxfordshire’s cultural calendar, the open-air performances in Bampton’s picturesque Deanery Garden on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July promise musical charm, rich period comedy and top-tier young talent – all sung in English.
A Rare Treat: Salieri’s La locandiera
First performed in Vienna in 1773, Salieri’s La locandiera was praised at the time for both its “words and music” and remains a masterpiece of comic opera, brimming with energy, irony and melody. The opera is based on Carlo Goldoni’s beloved play of the same name, with a libretto by Domenico Poggi. Salieri’s deft scoring brings to life a bold and clever innkeeper, Mirandolina, as she navigates (and manipulates) the affections of three very different suitors: a boastful baron, a foolish count, and a bumbling marquis.
This new staging, directed and designed by Jeremy Gray, will be performed in a fresh English translation by Gray and Gilly French, bringing modern sparkle to this 18th-century satire of love, vanity and social gamesmanship.
A Truly Oxfordshire Experience
The performances in Bampton’s Deanery Garden (OX18 2LL) are a quintessential Oxfordshire summer experience. Audiences are invited to bring their own garden chairs, picnic hampers, and soak up the festive atmosphere. With its excellent natural acoustics and charming village setting, Bampton remains a jewel in the region’s operatic offering.
A Rising-Star Cast
The production features an exciting cast of some of the UK’s most promising young opera singers:
- Siân Dicker – Mirandolina (soprano)
- Rosalind Dobson – Lena (soprano)
- Osian Wyn Bowen – Baron Ripafratta (tenor)
- David Horton – Count Albafiorita (tenor)
- Aidan Edwards – Marquis Forlimpopoli (baritone)
- Samuel Pantcheff – Fabrizio (baritone)
They’ll be joined by conductor Andrew Griffiths, with CHROMA performing at the London leg and the Orchestra of Bampton Classical Opera accompanying performances in Bampton, Westonbirt and Wadhurst.
Behind the scenes, the team also includes repetiteur Alex Norton, assistant director Harriet Cameron, and movement director Karen Halliday.
Beyond Bampton: Touring Performances
While Bampton remains the spiritual home of the company, The Landlady will also tour to:
- Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire (The Orangery Theatre) – Monday 25 August, 5.00pm
- The Barn at Old Walland, Wadhurst, East Sussex – Saturday 6 September, 6.00pm
- Smith Square Hall, London SW1 – Tuesday 16 September, 7.00pm
Each venue offers its own unique character – from Westonbirt’s grand Victorian architecture to the rustic charm of a converted Sussex barn, and finally, the historic concert setting of St John’s Smith Square in London.
Reputation and Rediscovery
Founded on a love of musical discovery, Bampton Classical Opera has made its name reviving forgotten masterpieces of the late 18th century, often in their UK premieres. The company has staged four Salieri operas already – including Falstaff, La fiera di Venezia, La grotta di Trofonio and La scuola de’gelosi – the latter shortlisted for the 2023 International Opera Awards.
Salieri himself, once painted as Mozart’s rival, is now rightly recognised as a masterful composer and educator, being a teacher to Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt. Bampton’s continued championing of his works helps restore his place in the operatic canon.
Tickets & Booking Info
Bampton & Westonbirt:
- Tickets: £45 | Under-18s: half-price
- Booking: bamptonopera.org or call 01993 851142
Wadhurst (includes charity donation):
- Tickets: £85 (includes optional £20 to Air Ambulance Charity KSS)
Smith Square Hall, London:
- Tickets: £20, £35, £45
- Booking: www.sjss.org.uk | Helpline: 020 7222 1061 (Booking opens July)
Free pre-performance talks will be available at all venues except Wadhurst.
How to Get There
Bampton is easily accessible by car and well-signposted from the A40 or A420. Free on-street parking is available throughout the village, but spaces fill up quickly, arrive early if you’re picnicking. The venue is a short stroll from the village centre.
Public Transport:
While Bampton does not have a train station, the nearest major station is in Oxford. From there, local buses (Stagecoach S1 or S2) run towards Witney/Carterton, check schedules in advance, as evening services are limited.
A Celebration of Wit and Musical Joy
With sunny gardens, sparkling comedy, and music full of character, The Landlady offers a glorious way to enjoy opera off the beaten path. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or curious newcomer, Bampton Classical Opera’s summer season is not to be missed.
