Much of what Waterperry does is based around musical education and involvement for both young people and those rather older. Peter Rabbit’s Musical Adventures is based on the Beatrix Potter story and has been cleverly interwoven with a live performance of Haydn’s String Quartet Op 77 No 1, giving not only children, but also parents and carers their first opportunity of hearing a string quartet!
The resulting half-hour show is very entertaining, especially as the narrator, Oskar McCarthy, has boundless energy and is able to communicate with everyone, even to a large open-air audience, sitting on the grass in Waterperry’s “Garden Glade”. He has the gift of making the story interesting to all ages, mainly by his physicality and obvious engagement with Potter’s story.
He is aided by the Morassi Quartet complete with rabbit ears, and two songs specially composed by Samuel Bardoli, the first of which is very catchy and encourages audience participation. The show has already toured to several schools and will continue to do so.
In addition, on the first full day of the festival, there was a Children’s Workshop in the morning in the Orangery, plus a one-hour no-charge Come-and-Sing Workshop for adults in the Ballroom led by Head of Music, Ashley Beauchamp. Sponsored by the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, this was intended for those who have never sung, perhaps since school, as well as anyone else who wished to come along, the ability to read music being of no importance at all.
Members of the Opera Orchestra, conducted by charismatic music director Bertie Baigent, also gave a Serenade Concert in the Garden Glade, consisting of Dvorak’s delightful Serenade for Wind Instruments and a contemporary adaptation by Joseph Wendt of “Harmoniemusik” from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, which was totally delightful.
Other events throughout the ten days of Waterperry Opera Festival include a tribute to Hildegard of Bingen performed in the Saxon church and a grand “Last Night of the Opera” concert as a fitting climax to the proceedings.
Unlike many “Country House” opera festivals, Waterperry is very relaxed and informal, but with excellent organisation and superb, welcoming volunteer and professional staff, which makes it a real pleasure to attend. I am already looking forward to 2027’s festival, hoping to be invited back…
Review by John Groves
Join Peter Rabbit on a garden adventure, guided by a magical storyteller, in this charming retelling of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tale, brought to life with Haydn’s string quartets. A perfect introduction to classical music for children – and fun for all ages!
Peter Rabbit’s Musical Adventures is a delightful, family-friendly performance that blends storytelling and classical music in the beautiful Garden Glade of Waterperry. Follow Peter as he squeezes under the garden gate, dodges Mr McGregor, and learns a few lessons along the way – all interwoven with moments from Haydn’s vibrant string quartets, performed live. This playful production is an ideal first opera or classical experience for children, with plenty to enjoy for grown-ups too.
PETER RABBIT’S MUSICAL ADVENTURES
Waterperry Opera Festival
8-9 and 15-16 August 2026
