Garsington

WORMSLEY, Berkshire—The first thing to say about the Garsington Opera's move to the Getty family's estate is that the grandeur of the natural setting beats even that of Glyndebourne.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

This year, it makes history by leaving its original home at Garsington Manor, the one-time summer retreat of the Bloomsbury Group, which included Garsington owner Lady Ottoline Morrell, artist Vanessa Bell and writers E.M. Forster and Virginia Woolf.

Eat, Drink and Be Entertained Paul Levy 2011

WORMSLEY, Berkshire—The first thing to say about the Garsington Opera's move to the Getty family's estate is that the grandeur of the natural setting beats even that of Glyndebourne.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

Fears that Garsington was off its form were relieved, though, by director Martin Duncan's "Il Turco in Italia," which made me realize for the first time how coherent and good Rossini's 1814 opera is.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

Olivia Fuchs's "Magic Flute" wasn't up to the high standard set for itself by Garsington Opera, nor was it representative of what this fine director can do.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

Fears that Garsington was off its form were relieved, though, by director Martin Duncan's "Il Turco in Italia," which made me realize for the first time how coherent and good Rossini's 1814 opera is.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

Olivia Fuchs's "Magic Flute" wasn't up to the high standard set for itself by Garsington Opera, nor was it representative of what this fine director can do.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

Worrying about the elements adds another level of drama—a performance at Garsington this summer had to be halted because of the sheer noise from the rain.

Music Inhabits Summer Gardens Helen Kirwan-Taylor 2011

With about 20% more seats than the old structure, it affords comfort, good sight lines, a full orchestra pit and improved backstage facilities, along with an inspired small replica of the Garsington Manor Italian garden to make the regulars feel at home.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011

With about 20% more seats than the old structure, it affords comfort, good sight lines, a full orchestra pit and improved backstage facilities, along with an inspired small replica of the Garsington Manor Italian garden to make the regulars feel at home.

'Il Turco' Delights at Garsington Paul Levy 2011