Programme 2017
Key to venues:
- C.K. – Stanton Suite, Church Piece, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham
- R.A.U. – Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester.

New Year’s Day Concert, Vienna
Sunday 19th February – C.K.
Every year (since the start of Bijou in January 2010) this has been shown and the tradition continues with the 2017 concert. In the dark days of winter, there is something bright and joyful about this type of music to lift your mood on a grey afternoon.
La Traviata by Verdi
Sunday 9th April – R.A.U.
Sunday 30th April – C.K.

Pagliacci by Leoncavallo & Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni
Sunday 4th June – R.A.U.
Sunday 2nd July – C.K.
Pagliacci dates from 1965 and was directed and conducted by the legendary Herbert von Karajan. This was not a theatre production but was filmed on a set, designed to give maximum realism to this dark and dramatic tale. Jon Vickers gives a definitive performance as Canio, the leader of a group strolling players who (correctly) suspects his wife of infidelity. Peter Glossop is the epitome of evil as he subtly provokes the jealous Canio, who then drives events to their powerful conclusion.
Cavalleria Rusticana dates from 1981 and was directed by a master of the Italian cinema, Franco Zeffirelli. For maximum realism, he shot this on location in Sicily. A young Placido Domingo is perfect as the youthful and impetuous Turiddu who destroys the love of his betrothed, Santuzza (Elena Obraztsova), in pursuit of another man’s wife. With the wronged husband played superbly by Renato Bruson, this can only end badly!

Opera Rara: Zar und Zimmermann (Czar and Carpenter) by Lortzing
Sunday 23rd July – C.K.
This is a delightful opera that deserves to be better known. It dates from the mid 19th Century and is by the German composer Lortzing. It is easily likeable, being tuneful and melodious throughout. The story is amusing and gently romantic, with no villains, instead there is a pompous official, who by the end is inevitably made to look ridiculous! The production is by Hamburg State Opera and dates from 1969. The only international star is Lucia Popp who is well supported by the other principals. This is a studio production which enabled the filming to be more flexible and expansive. The sets, costumes and action are authentic to the period and the story even has an element of historical truth.
Orfeo and Eurydice by Gluck
Sunday 3rd September – R.A.U.
Sunday 24th September – C.K.

Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty by Tchaikovsky
Sunday 5th November – R.A.U.
Here is a ballet production to delight the eye and ear. Everything about it is of the highest quality, the astonishing standard of dancing, the gorgeous costumes, magnificent sets and excellent orchestral playing by the Opera National of Paris. The choreography is by Rudolf Nureyev, after Marius Peptia. In particular, look out for the outstanding performance of Aurélie Dupont in the role of Princess Aurore (The Sleeping Beauty).
The Count of Luxembourg by Lehar
Sunday 24th November – C.K.
Sunday 3rd December – R.A.U.