Glyndebourne Autumn 2024

Glyndebourne Autumn is the rather more informal season of world-class opera that takes place in the iconic setting of the Glyndebourne Opera House. Nestled in a valley set in mature gardens in the countryside the opera house adjoins an Edwardian house and occupies the site of the old theatre.  Enjoy two early evening performances whilst staying at the nearby Buxted Park Hotel.

Il turco in Italia  - Rossini’s turbulent comedy bubbles with energy, clever wit and Italian style.  A handsome Turkish prince (with an agile bass voice) lands on the coast of Naples looking for amorous adventures. In no time at all he meets a vivacious Italian girl (a coquettish virtuoso soprano), who is accustomed to flitting between admirers, much to the displeasure of her elderly husband……say no more!   Verdi’s La traviata.  Glamour, passion and heartbreak fill this timeless classic, one of opera’s most powerful and enduring romances. This tragic love story, profoundly moving with memorable music from rousing drinking songs to passionate love-duets, can be enjoyed whether the first or fiftieth time.

Sunday 27 October:  Arrive and check into the hotel, as the performance starts at 4 pm the coach will leave at 3.15 pm,  we will request rooms are available if possible from 2 pm.  The performance this evening Il turco in Italia.  Buffet dinner will be served on your return to the hotel at 7.30 pm.

Monday 28 October:  This morning there will be a visit to The Royal Pavilion.  Originally a simple farmhouse this spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV) was transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1823 into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles. It is filled with astonishing colours and superb craftsmanship, including many original furnishings and decorations on loan from HM The King. The Royal Pavilion mixes Regency grandeur with Indian architecture and Chinese inspired interiors reflecting the Prince Regent’s personality and taste.

An early light lunch will be included in a scenic coastal location before continuing to visit the small church of at St Michael’s and All Angels. Although it may well have Saxon or Norman origins, it was heavily restored in 1856 to designs by local architect.  The 20th century Bloomsbury wall paintings by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell attract visitors from all over the world. Then to Glyndebourne for the afternoon performance of La Traviata at 4 pm.  Buffet dinner will be served on the return to the hotel.

Tuesday 29 October: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the hotel.  There will be a morning visit to Sheffield Park. Whilst there is no guarantee we are advised that late October is the absolute peak time for enjoying the renowned autumn colour – these Grade I listed landscaped gardens were originally designed in the 18th Century by Capability Brown and Humphry Repton.  Explore the lakes joined by a waterfall and cascade that are surrounded by historic parkland and woodland.  The coach will then return to the hotel via Buxted railway station for 1.15 pm .

The Buxted Park Hotel part of the Handpicked group of hotels is an elegant Palladian four star country house hotel set in rolling parkland and a short drive from Uckfield.  Buxted Station has direct trains from London Bridge.

Please note limited time to hold the Glyndebourne tickets so book early to avoid disappointment!