Nevill Holt Opera has announced the creative teams, principal cast, and orchestra partners for its outdoor summer festival kicking off on Aug. 4, 2021.

The company will present two operas, Verdi’s “La Traviata,” and Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” on an outdoor stage built to frame the stunning valley views from Nevill Holt. The new outdoor space will accommodate 650 people in three seating areas.

NHO will begin the festival with Verdi’s “La Traviata” directed by Jamie Manton and designed by Camilla Clarke. On the podium will be NHO’s Artistic Director, Nicholas Chalmers, conducting the Manchester Camerata.

Susana Gaspar stars as the ill-fated courtesan, Violetta Valéry. Luis Gomes will join her as Alfredo Germont, along with Michel de Souza as Alfredo’s father, Giorgio. The production will also feature a chorus comprising NHO Young Artists.

Performance Dates: Aug. 4 – 10, 2021

Shadwell Opera’s award-winning Music Director, Finnegan Downie Dear, will conduct “Don Giovanni,” the third installment of NHO’s Mozart-Da Ponte cycle. Downie Dear brings with him the Shadwell Ensemble, a group founded on the principles of inclusivity, education, player empowerment, and commitment to open door rehearsals.

Shadwell’s Artistic Director Jack Furness will direct this Alex Berry-designed production, for which Jenny Ogilvie served as Movement Director.

Award-winning baritone Seán Boylan will sing the title role, with Nicholas Crawley slated to play the Don’s servant, Leporello. Dingle Yandell will assume the role of Il Commendatore, and Aoife Miskelly, that of the vengeful Donna Elvira. Joshua Owen Mills will perform Don Ottavio and Olivia Warburton, Zerlina.

Performance Dates: Aug. 19 – 25, 2021