A Night at the Opera

After a leisurely morning in London, we boarded the train to Lewes for a short transfer to the Glyndebourne estate to attend a performance of Handel's "Saul." Glyndebourne is unique in that the opera house is on the grounds of an old estate where fashionably dressed folks converge in the gardens for champagne and smart canapes beforehand. The opera started at 5PM with a long intermission midway to allow time for a lavish dinner or a lavish picnic.

I have to admit I was dubious about this opera (Handel? Ugh. Bible story? Ugh) but an opera performance depends on many other things, and this was a standout winner---sets, costumes, 600 burning candles, and especially the cast (countertenor Iestyn Davies was amazing) made for one of the most extraordinary opera experiences I've ever had. And the tale of an insane and corrupt ruler dragging his country down into the muck was not lost on us.

A terrific performance and incredible people watching, followed by a relaxed 1 hour train ride put us downtown shortly after 11. What a great day!

See one of the reviews at

https://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/saul-glyndebo…

And more info on Iestyn---

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/iestyn…

Today, we are off to Dorking in Surrey to stay with friends before heading home Tuesday, exhausted but happy!

[And for Janet Fletcher--Sussex cheeses after dinner: 'Sir George of Glyndebourne',Sussex Blue,and Sussex camembert all great with rhubarb tart!!]Read more