L'italiana in Algeri at Longhope Opera

Start: Friday, July 4, 2025 4:00AM
End: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:30PM

Join Scherzo Ensemble for their sixth production at Longhope Opera set within the stunning backdrop of the South Downs. We are delighted to present Rossini's roaring comedy, L'italiana in Algeri, on Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, and Sunday 6th July 2025. Longhope Opera is a one-of-a-kind charitable summer festival, specialising in Italian comic Bel Canto opera. The festivities begin two hours prior to the show, allowing guests ample time to enjoy the views, set up your hampers (if self-dining) and listen to chamber music performances. A drinks reception follows, where you can relish a complementary drink and soak up the celebratory atmosphere before taking your seats in the auditorium. A leisurely 90-minute dining interval follows the first act, during which you can enjoy one of our (pre-booked) dining experiences. Unreserved Dining You are welcome to bring your own hamper and find a spot on the lawns to enjoy a picnic. If you prefer a table, communal trestle tables in our Dining Marquee on the Old Tennis Court await, providing a cool and dry setting. Reserved Dining For an additional charge, we have a limited number of decorated round tables in our Dining Marquee on the Old Tennis Court that you can reserve. Positioned in a prime location, these tables offer the best views of the South Downs and can comfortably accommodate parties of six, eight, and ten people. Your reservation includes a tablecloth, water, and flowers for added elegance. Guests with reserved tables can either relish their own hampers or indulge in a three-course meal. We kindly request that tables take a collective decision as to how to dine, to ensure seamless service. If you are attending as a couple and wish to book catering, we will reserve you spaces on a table of six with two other couples. Our caterer, menu and pricing will be confirmed shortly. After dinner, the opera resumes against the backdrop of a setting sun. Grounds close at 10.30pm. Itinerary (subject to change) 16:00 - Grounds open, with chamber music 16:30 - Drinks Reception 18:00 - Opera begins (Act One) 19:30 - Dining interval begins 21:00 - Opera restarts (Act Two) 21:45 - Opera finishes 22:30 - Carriages For more information, visit our website or contact us via email at longhopesummeropera@gmail.com. Additional Information Dress code: Our guests usually wear smart casual attire, and we suggest wearing shoes with a flat sole. The walkways between locations at Longhope are mostly grass and can become slippery when wet.· Refreshments: We will not be operating a bar this year, but please feel free to bring your own refreshments. For those booking a meal, details will be provided shortly. Weather: As Longhope is a primarily outdoor event, we have made provisions to make sure our guests will be as comfortable as possible regardless of the weather. The performance space, auditorium and dining areas will be covered by a marquee, however, as it can become cooler towards the end of the evening, we recommend that you bring layers and an umbrella if wet.? Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, kindly inform us at longhopesummeropera@gmail.com Photography: this event is photographed. If you prefer not to be captured in images, email longhopesummeropera@gmail.com Pets: sorry, this is not a pet-friendly event. Location: Longhope, Newton Valence, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3RB. On-site parking is available, just a short walk from event locations. Transport: the closest train station is Alton. Local taxis can be booked at Wilson Taxis, Alton: 01420 87777, Alton 8’s Taxis: 01420 88888, A2B Taxis, Petersfield: 01730 233299. We recommend pre-booking taxis to ensure availability. Booking assistance: if you encounter difficulties online, you can book via telephone at the Ticket Source Box Office: 0333 666 3366. Our Work Longhope Opera is produced by the charity Scherzo Ensemble (Charity number: 1193375) which is a professional development platform for emerging artists, primarily classical singers, musicians and technicians. We deliver high-quality paid performance and training projects, offering them opportunities to develop their experience, understanding, and networks critical to achieving the first steps and foundations for a professional career. Support us. The location for this charitable event is kindly donated by Fergus & Emma Slinger in the beautiful grounds of Longhope, Newton Valence, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3RB.