Fairytale opera set to be staged at Westonbirt School

Bampton Classical Opera will perform André Grétry’s 18th-century work Zemira e Azor (Zémire and Azor), a rare version of Beauty and the Beast, at the Orangery Theatre in the gardens of Westonbirt School on Monday, August 31.

This version, last heard in the UK more than two centuries ago, is based on the 1776 Italian edition and features additional music by Ignaz Holzbauer and Niccolò Jommelli.

The opera tells the story of Zemira, a young woman who takes her father’s place as a prisoner in the magical castle of the monstrous Azor.

Though terrified at first, Zemira soon discovers Azor’s inner nobility and falls in love with him, breaking the fairy’s spell and revealing his true form as a handsome prince.

This semi-staged, costumed production will be performed in English and conducted by Andrew Griffiths.

The cast includes soprano Ffion Edwards as Zemira, tenor Gwilym Bowen as Azor, mezzo-soprano Rachel Roper as Lesbia, soprano Siân Dicker as Fatima, tenor Andrew Irwin as Ali, and baritone Samuel Pantcheff as Sandro.

Audience members are encouraged to bring garden chairs and enjoy picnics in the scenic grounds.

Tickets cost £45, or £25 for under-18s, and can be purchased by phone on 07968 801047 or online at bamptonopera.org.

Bampton Classical Opera is known for reviving lesser-known works from the late 18th century and performing them in lively English translations.