Sunday 31 May 2009


Like any opera company, Bampton Classical Opera is very dependent on those who support it financially (our vital "Friends") and by offering volunteer help, and we always do our best to show our warm appreciation. We took the opportunity of today's Haydn's 200th anniversary by presenting a most enjoyable soiree yesterday evening in one of the lovely large houses in Bampton where the delightful new owners have taken over the tradition of warm hospitality set up by the previous equally delightful owners.  With one of our most popular and regular singers, Amanda Pitt, we presented an informal drawing-room concert of Haydn canzonettas, arias and piano sonatas, including the most entertaining (shades of Mozart in the long C minor piano introduction) dramatic cantata in honour of Nelson, and first sung at Esterhazy by Lady Hamilton, Lines from the Battle of the Nile - to echo Cornelia Knight's response to that first performance: "The effect was grand"!  

Wednesday 27 May 2009



A musical event of a somewhat different nature in Bampton on bank holiday Monday, 25 May.... Bampton is one of the most ancient homes of morris dancing in England, and throughout the day the three local teams dance in the streets and gardens of the town.  Starting at about 8.30am, it's quite a feat of stamina for the dancers who continue until the early evening, when they are joined by invited guest teams from elsewhere.  It's always a delightful occasion - a chance to nose around neighbours' gardens, meeting many friends expected and unexpected, and of course to eat and drink!  We find it a useful occasion to nurture advance interest for our July opera, and a chance for informal discussion along the way with the many local people involved in our own project.  An excellent day was had, with only the lightest of rain showers and bright sun most of the time. Let's hope the sun is getting in practice for mid-July....