Bampton Classical Opera was founded in 1993 by its artistic directors, Jeremy Gray and Gilly French, and quickly gained a reputation for relaxed and informal quality opera.  It gives an annual open-air summer opera and specialises in staging rarely known works of the late baroque and classical periods with young professional singers. Previous productions include the first staging of Erik Smith's edition of Mozart's The Cairo Goose and one of the first modern-day settings of Gazzaniga's Don Giovanni, Arne's Alfred, Paisiello's Nina and Storace's Comedy of Errors.  Bampton Classical Opera always performs in English and is committed to relaxed, non-elitist opera at affordable prices.  An annual concert is also given, on the feast-day of Bampton's patron saint Beornwald, and occasional concerts at other times of the year.

Bampton Classical Opera is committed to providing a local community with a high standard of opera and other music.  We are creating and educating new audiences, through our policy of affordable ticket prices and a relaxed and accessible atmosphere in beautiful surroundings.  We perform our operas in English, to enhance understanding and enjoyment.

The company provides opportunities for young professional singers to learn new and challenging roles and to contribute fully to the production process.  

Bampton Classical Opera's commitment to rare works of the classical period gives it a unique status amongst British companies. The revelations of our repertory are a constant delight to performers and audiences alike.  We perform in two stunning garden venues, the spectacular Victorian setting of Westonbirt School near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, as well as at our home since 1993, the idyllic Deanery Garden, at Bampton in Oxfordshire.  

Please visit our website, www.bamptonopera.org to find out more about us, including plans for the current season and how to book tickets.