The libretto of L’Olimpiade (The Olympiad) was set to music by over fifty composers, making it one of the most popular in opera history. Based on the story of the ‘Trial of the Suitors’ by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, it has all the materials necessary for a work of high drama – loyal friends, crossed lovers, secret backstories, deception, disguise, and possible ruin…

For our 2024 Summer production, a cast of seven will deliver the story through Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s thrilling Italian arias and a newly-created English script by director Laura Attridge. In true VB Festival fashion the grounds will become an extension of the stage, with sports-themed activities and immersive elements from the ‘Trial’ filling the hours before the main show.

When the gun sounds, the opera will take just over two hours including an interval – a fast-paced, energetic performance reflecting the dash-to-the-line of this Olympic story. Who will win? Who will lose? Let the games begin.

L’Olimpiade (1735) by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi

Grounds will open at 3pm for picnicking and exploring. The main performance is scheduled to begin at 7pm, but may start up to half an hour earlier due to changing weather conditions. We therefore recommend that all patrons arrive no later than 6.30pm.

This is an opera in three acts prefaced with immersive installations and pre-show performances. Running time will be 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval. Visit our FAQs page for more info about the VB experience.

U35 tickets will be allocated across middle and outer circle, seated with others from your booking where possible.

We are particularly grateful to Marian and Gordon Pell, and Earl and Lady Howe for their support of this production. Heartfelt thanks to all our VBFriends and supporters, who make our work possible.