Bampton Classical Opera is delighted to present André Grétry’s delightful fairytale opera 'Zemira e Azor', sung in a new English translation as ‘Beauty and the Beast’, conducted by Andrew Griffiths and directed by Jeremy Gray.

Praised by Mozart and beloved across Europe, André Grétry’s sparkling yet heartfelt opera was inspired by the charming tale of Beauty and the Beast. With its radiant score, lively drama and a joyful ending, 'Zemira e Azor' is as touching as it is enchanting.

When the virtuous Zemira offers herself in place of her father as prisoner in the castle of the fearsome Azor, she enters a world of mystery and magic. Cursed by a malevolent fairy, Azor appears as a terrifying beast – and Zemira is at first horrified. Yet, as she looks beyond his outward form, she begins to recognise a spirit of kindness, dignity and nobility. Can her simple love break the spell?

The production will be semi-staged and costumed, with opening performances taking place for the first time in a delightful setting at Cokethorpe School, Witney, Oxfordshire, with lovely gardens that are perfect for picnics.

Bampton Classical Opera stages productions in rural venues in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire as well as regularly in London at Smith Square Hall. Other significant venues and festivals have included Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room, Buxton Festival, Cheltenham Festival and Theatre Royal Bath. Eschewing familiar repertoire, Bampton concentrates instead on rarities from the late eighteenth century, sung in lively new English translations, and has given many enterprising performances of forgotten operas. Amongst these have been UK premières of Bertoni 'Orfeo', Marcos Portugal 'The Marriage of Figaro', Paer 'Leonora', Benda 'Romeo and Juliet', Gluck 'Il Parnaso confuso', 'Philemon and Baucis' and Salieri 'Falstaff' and' La fiera di Venezia'.

Bampton Classical Opera was a finalist in the Rediscovered Opera category of the 2020 International Opera Awards for Stephen Storace 'Gli sposi malcontenti' (Bride and Gloom), and its recent production of Salieri 'La fiera di Venezia' (At the Venice Fair) was shortlisted for the 2023 Awards.