Summer opera evening at Dunster Castle

A love story built around favourite opera arias, duets and ensembles, sung by the stars of tomorrow and played by a string quintet of top UK chamber musicians. New opera company Wild Arts returns for their second performance at Dunster Castle.

★★★★★ "The musicians were all superb. With perfect balance and tone they really brought the works alive.One of the most impressive things is that music from such diverse periods hung together so seamlessly ... Spectacular doesn’t even begin to do it justice. " Courie Amado Juneau (Fairy Powered Productions) on our 2023 show

2024 show - Songs of Summer Love

Verdi Prelude and Opening Scene from La Traviata
Handel V’adoro, Pupille from Giulio Cesare 
Verdi Dal labbro il canto from Falstaff
Gershwin Slap that bass
Tchaikovsky Ya vas lyublu from the Queen of Spades
Gershwin Someone to watch over me
Lehàr Ich bin ein anständige Frau from The Merry Widow
Rossini Act I Finale stretto from L’italiana in Algeri

Lehrer Poisoning Pigeons in the Park
Mozart Deh Vieni from The Marriage of Figaro
Verdi Tace la notte from La Trovatore
Handel Scherza infida from Ariodante
Lortzing Quartet from Undine
Rodgers You’ll never walk alone from Carousel

A joy beyond all expectation - sassily delivered and outstandingly well sung.
Michael White, the Catholic Herald on our 2023 show

You are welcome to arrive from 5.30pm to set up your picnic on the lawn and open the bubbly. Bring whatever you need to make yourselves comfortable - picnic rugs, tables, chairs and hampers are all welcome. The performance will start at 6.30pm and there will be an hour's picnic interval. The show will be finished at 9pm or very shortly thereafter. Nearer the time, we will send an email with directions and information on where to park. In the mean time you are very welcome to get in touch with any questions - info@wildarts.org.uk

Wild Arts is a new company that brings world-class opera to locations often overlooked by others. Additionally, it nurtures young talent and runs an enriching programme for primary schools. More details on wildarts.org.uk

Let me tell you that Wild Arts’ opera evenings are of a breathtakingly high, ROH-level musical standard – a gorgeous quintet of musicians and a most cunning choice of excerpts, mischievously well acted. I’d follow them anywhere. Libby Purves in 2023

A fine young cast excel, with engaging energy and superb singing ... a knowing, cheeky sense of humour, while never detracting from Mozart’s delectable score. An affordable and accessible production, attracting those who might be new to opera. 
The Guardian on our 2022 show

Dunster Castle and the Wild Arts team.

A positively life-enhancing performance with reduced ensemble by Wild Arts as part of their Summer Tour.
Colin Clarke, Opera Now on our 2023 show

Timings
Gardens open - 5.30pm
Performance begins - 6.30pm
(1-hour picnic interval)
Performance ends - 9pm
Carriages - 9.30pm

Prices
Ticket - £32 (includes free parking)
Party of 6 for the price of 5 - £160
Under 18s - £10

Free parking is included with your ticket. Only a limited number of tickets will be offered for sale, so please book early.

Spotify playlist