Bampton Classical Opera to Present Grétry’s ‘Zemira e Azor’ in 2026
By David SalazarBampton Classical Opera has announced that its 2026 summer production will be Grétry’s “Zemira e Azor” (“Beauty and the Beast”).
Performances will take place at Cokethorpe School in Witney, Oxfordshire, on July 17 and 18 followed by an August 31 showcase at Westonbirt School in Gloucestershire and a Sept. 18 show at Smith Square Hall in London.
The semi-staged, costumed production will be directed by Jeremy Gray and conducted by Andrew Griffiths, leading the Orchestra of Bampton Classical Opera at Cokethorpe and Westonbirt, and CHROMA in London.
The opera, based on the fairy tale “La Belle et la Bête,” will be presented in a rare version from the 1776 Italian edition, incorporating additional music by Ignaz Holzbauer and Niccolò Jommelli. The work has not been heard in the UK since the late 18th century. The opera tells the story of Zemira, who sacrifices herself to save her father and becomes a prisoner in the enchanted castle of Azor, a prince transformed into a beast by a spell. Through compassion and love, Zemira ultimately breaks the enchantment and restores Azor to his human form.
The opera was also a favorite of Sir Thomas Beecham, who conducted and recorded it in 1955.
This is the latest Grétry work that Bampton Classical Opera following its 2012 showcase of “L’amant jaloux,” also conducted by Andrew Griffiths.
Casting and further production details will be announced at a later date.
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