THE OPERA PAVILION

When Garsington Opera moved to Wormsley from Garsington Manor in 2011 it had a tough act to follow. But its new home and Opera Pavilion turned out to be just as spectacular.

The Opera Pavilion, which houses the stage, the orchestra, the auditorium and terraces, begins on the higher ground of the mansion and surrounding buildings, and extends across a flint-walled ha-ha, looking out over a lake, deer park and woods beyond. It is a position offering some of Wormsley’s most beautiful views.

“There is a new candidate for the accolade of Most Beautiful Opera House in the World ”
The Daily Telegraph

“A glassy, light-filled pavilion theatre which achieves an intimacy rarely possible at another other performance of such world-class calibre”
The Independent

The Garsington Opera Pavilion is designed by architect Robin Snell. Lifted above the ground to give an appearance of ‘floating’ over the landscape, the design takes its cue from a traditional Japanese pavilion in its use of sliding screens, extended platforms, and verandas and bridges to link it to the landscape. The idea of the pavilion theatre also refers to traditional Japanese theatre or Kabuki, the 17th century classical dance drama.

Made from a limited palette of materials – timber, fabric and steel – it combines transparency and lightness with a sense of intimacy. As at Garsington Manor, it is possible for audiences to enjoy the setting and the summer skies beyond the stage while remaining sheltered for the performance.