In  Tchaikovsky’s  intense  opera  of  obsession  and  the  supernatural,  Gherman  is  caught  between  the  woman  he  loves  and  a  destructive  fixation.  The  Queen  of  Spades is  based  on  a  short  story  by  Pushkin,  and  comes  to  the  Royal  Opera  House  in  a  new  production  that  has  already  garnered  five-star  reviews  in  Amsterdam.  The  production  is  set  in  1890,  the  year  of  the  opera’s  premiere.  In  his  study,  Tchaikovsky  imagines  the  opera  into  life  as  his  own  story,  its  characters  giving  voice  to  his  unfulfilled  desires.  Aleksandrs  Antonenko  and  Eva-Maria  Westbroek  head  the  cast  and  Royal  Opera  Chorus,  conducted  by  Antonio  Pappano,  Music  Director  of  The  Royal  Opera.  This  is  an  engrossing  portrayal  of  a  tortured  creative  artist  and  a  gripping  piece  of  gothic  storytelling.

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

Our concert on Thursday 24 January brings the focus to our preparations for our summer tour to Japan and Hong Kong from 30 June to 10 July. There was much music to celebrate in our Christmas Concerts last term, such as Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 2 and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No 3.

For the present concert we have performances from First Orchestra, Second Orchestra, Big Band, Brass Band, The Second Year Choir and our fledgling jazz ensembles. In addition to ticket sale revenue, the extended interval gives us the opportunity for an auction of promises in aid of the Japan Tour. We have some exciting offers - holiday homes, dinners, brewery tours etc. Do come and join us in our musical celebrations and register for our silent auction!

From  the  thrill  of  unexpected  romance  to  a  heartbreaking  reconciliation  that  comes  too  late  –  Verdi’s  La  Traviata  is  one  of  the  most  popular  of  all  operas.  Alfredo  falls  in  love  in  with  the  courtesan  Violetta  in  glamorous  Paris  society,  but  underneath  the  surface  run  darker  undercurrents,  leading  to  a  tragic  ending.  The  opera’s  wealth  of  melodies  includes  the  famous  Brindisi  and  the  exuberant  ‘Sempre  libera’  –  both  showing  the  lyricism  of  Italian  opera  at  its  most  immediately  appealing.  Richard  Eyre’s  production  for  The  Royal  Opera  brings  out  all  the  emotional  colour,  from  the  giddy  discovery  of  love,  through  painful  confrontation  to  the  inevitable  conclusion.  Lavish  period  sets  and  costumes  enhance  the  reality  of  a  moving  story  based  on  true  life.

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

I’m Not Running is an explosive new play by David Hare, premiering at the National Theatre and broadcast live to cinemas.

Pauline Gibson has spent her life as a doctor, the inspiring leader of a local health campaign. When she crosses paths with her old boyfriend, a stalwart loyalist in Labour Party politics, she’s faced with an agonising decision.

What’s involved in sacrificing your private life and your piece of mind for something more than a single issue? Does she dare?

Hare was recently described by The Washington Post as ‘the premiere political dramatist writing in English’. His other work includes Pravda and Skylight, broadcast by National Theatre Live in 2014.

For more information about the performance, please visit the NT Live website.

Michael Dork is 17. They call him nerd, geek, slacker. Socially marginalised by the entire school and constantly picked on by Eddie, the coolest boy in school, Michael is desperate to find his ticket outta Loserville. But when stunning new girl Holly arrives, Michael is introduced to a whole new world of cool.

This bold and brilliant rock musical - created by James Bourne of the band Busted and Elliot Davis - is a colourful and catchy ride through the life of the underdog performed by Abingdon and St Helen's pupils.

We are delighted to welcome to Abingdon the brass ensemble, Quartet Menine, which is comprised of four of the most talented young brass players in the country. Formed in Manchester in 2016 and now based in London, the group was set up with the aim of creating an exciting and engaging chamber music experience, breaking away from the usual repertoire restrictions experienced by brass instruments. They preform a set list covering everything from Bach to the present day, choosing pieces they feel gives a comprehensive overview of some of the best music written.

The quartet will be giving a master class to our brass players in the afternoon and we look forward to this performance, which is quite different to professional ensembles that have visited the school in recent years.

Get ready for an evening of inspirational adventure films coming at you from the wildest corners of the globe!

In this selection of extraordinary short films, follow the world’s top explorers and action film-makers as they brave intrepid journeys into the most spectacular regions of planet Earth. Witness breath-taking cinematography, stunning scenery and an exhilarating dose of adrenaline – all on the big screen!

These brand-new films are taken from the world’s most prestigious mountain festival, held every year in Canada. An exciting, not-to-be-missed event with free prize giveaways.

To book tickets, please visit the Banff Film Festival website.

Photo Credit: Valentine Fabre, Dent du Géant © Ben Tibbetts

Cervantes’s  story  of  the  bumbling  knight  Don  Quixote  has  inspired  countless  artistic  interpretations.  Marius  Petipa  choreographed  this  sparkling  ballet  about  the  encounters  of  the  man  from  La  Mancha  and  his  faithful  squire  Sancho  Panza.  At  its  heart  are  virtuoso  roles  for  the  lovers  Basilio  and  Kitri.  Carlos  Acosta  chose  this  joyful  classic  for  his  first  production  for  The  Royal  Ballet.  His  vibrant  staging  brings  together  the  whole  Company  in  such  roles  as  exuberant  villagers,  passionate  gypsies  and  even  fantasy  flowers.  The  story  follows  Don  Quixote’s  picaresque  journey  to  do  deeds  in  honour  of  his  imaginary  noble  lady,  Dulcinea.  Sunny,  charming,  funny  and  touching  –  Don  Quixote  is  a  ballet  as  full  of  uplifting  emotion  as  it  is  of  astonishing  ballet  technique.

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

By Richard Rampton QC

Tuesday 26 February 7pm-8.30pm Amey Theatre

On 26th February 2019 barrister Richard Rampton QC will talk about his victory in one of the most famous court cases of the last 20 years. The subject of the 2016 film, Denial, Richard defended Penguin Books and Deborah Lipstadt against Holocaust denier David Irving in a lengthy court case in 2000. Lipstadt is Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory College, Atlanta, Georgia; she had accused Irving of Holocaust denial in her book Denying the Holocaust.  

Irving wanted the trial to take place in England since English libel law places the burden of proof on the defendant rather than the plaintiff. Richard described the extensive amount of research which was required to prepare for the case. This included visiting the Auschwitz death camp and commissioning scientists to study the amount of Zyklon B gas remaining there. Furthermore, Richard learnt German in order for him to understand the nuances in the various surviving primary sources. Historians such as Richard Evans, Christopher Browning and Peter Longerich were called as witnesses for the defence. The defence team felt strongly that a Holocaust survivor should not be put through the ordeal of being cross examined under oath by Irving, since he was representing himself in court. Richard described how the case was won by proving that Lipstadt’s accusations against Irving were in fact true and not libellous.  

More information about the case, and the film Denial, can be found here.

Suitable for ages 11+.

The fantastic Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles will performing some much loved and rousing tunes at a concert that will be hosted by the Chairman of Vale of White Horse District Council, Councillor Monica Lovatt.  

The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles is a band of the Army Reserves based in Abingdon.  All the musicians on parade are Reserve soldiers, loyally committed not only to the busy schedule of the Waterloo Band but holding down full-time jobs as well as juggling normal family commitments. The Waterloo Band & Bugles is one of the busiest (and one of the largest) Reserve bands, fulfilling over 70 engagements last year.  The Director of Music is Major Lawrence Sale, who joined the Band in June 2018 from the Regular Army having retired in September 2017 as Director of Music to the Scots Guards.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to SSAFA - the armed forces charity. SSAFA is the UKs oldest tri-service military charity. The charity was active in the Vale area during the First World War and 100 years on are still working hard to relieve suffering and distress for serving and ex-service men and women and their families.

The charity supports independence and dignity while providing a wide range of support and practical help ensuring that the needs of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families are met in an appropriate and timely way in recognition of their service to the nation.

Councillor Lovatt has been involved with SSAFA as a volunteer for 11 years and has first hand knowledge of the invaluable service the charity provides to in supporting our service men and women.   She is the Divisional Secretary for the Vale of White Horse Division and all money raised will be used for the benefit of local people.

Like most charities SSAFA is always in need of funds so by enjoying a great night out you will help support a great charity.

Leonora  falls  in  love  with  Don  Alvaro,  but  when  her  father  forbids  their  marriage,  a  fatal  accident  triggers  a  drama  of  obsession,  vengeance  and  tragedy.  Jonas  Kaufmannand  Anna  Netrebko  star  in  Verdi’s  epic  La  forza  del  destino  (The  Force  of  Destiny)  an  opera  which  demands  the  very  best  of  singers  for  its  powerful  music  and  the  fullest  theatrical  treatment  for  its  story  of  bitter  revenge  pursued  across  miles  and  years.  The  production  comes  to  The  Royal  Opera  in  a  sensational  staging  from  Amsterdam  packed  with  colour  and  action.  It  is  directed  by  Christof  Loy  and  conducted  by  Antonio  Pappano,  Music  Director  of  The  Royal  Opera.  

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

Come into the forest; dare to change your state of mind.

Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head.

With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves. Director Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.

For more information about the performance, please go to the RSC website.

The former King's Singer and internationally renowned composer and choir master comes to Abingdon School to deliver one of his ever popular "Come and Sing" days.

For more information, please visit the Arts and Sports website.

Suitable for ages 14+

Approximate duration: 6 hours

Registration from 9.30am on the day.

There  are  many  versions  of  the  story  of  Faust,  who  trades  his  soul  with  the  Devil  for  youth  and  power,  but  Gounod’s  opera  remains  one  of  the  most  constantly  enthralling.  Michael  Fabiano  stars  as  Faust,  with  Diana  Damrau  as  his  beloved  Marguerite  and  Erwin  Schrott  as  the  diabolical  Méphistophélès.  Virtuoso  leading  roles,  a  large  chorus,  sensational  sets,  ballet  and  an  ecstatic  finale  make  this  the  epitome  of  theatrical  spectacle  –  the  lavish  scale  of  French  grand  opera  is  wonderfully  in  evidence  in  this  production  by  David  McVicar,  set  in  1870s  Paris.  Above  all,  the  music  includes  several  of  popular  opera’s  most  recognizable  numbers,  performed  by  a  cast  of  great  international  singers  and  the  Royal  Opera  Chorus.

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs is the hit stage show starring dinosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod. Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Ben talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet.  Yes dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus and Spinosaurus would have walked or swam right where you are now!

Pitting the knowledge of unwitting parents against their all-knowing kids, Dr Ben presents an interactive, educational and highly entertaining show using film footage from the BBC's 'Planet Dinosaur’.  So come and test your knowledge against Dr Ben in this hit live interactive show which is bigger and better than ever.

Watch the trailer here.

'I would highly recommend this show to anyone with a small person that loves dinosaurs!’ Families Online

'Who knew learning over Half Term would be so fun!' North East Family Fun

'It was a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating two hours and my son and his friend were completely hooked throughout and I would urge anyone to catch the show next time around.' Weston Mercury

The  contemporary  face  of  The  Royal  Ballet  is  shown  in  works  from  three  of  today’s  leading  choreographers.  Christopher  Wheeldon’s  Within  the  Golden  Hour  is  based  around  seven  couples  separating  and  intermingling,  to  music  by  Vivaldi  and  Bosso  and  lit  with  rich  colours  suggested  by  sunset.  Crystal  Pite’s  Flight  Pattern,  revived  for  the  first  time,  uses  a  large  dance  ensemble  and  Górecki’s  familiar  music  from  his  Symphony  of  Sorrowful  Songsfor  a  poignant  and  passionate  reflection  on  migration.  Between  them,  a  new  work  by  Sidi  Larbi  Cherkaoui,  created  on  The  Royal  Ballet  has  its  premiere  to  bring  the  contemporary  truly  up-to-date.

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

Broadcast from The Old Vic in London, Academy Award-winner Sally Field (Steel Magnolias, Brothers & Sisters) and Bill Pullman (The Sinner, Independence Day) star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama All My Sons.

America, 1947. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. But nothing lasts forever and their contented lives, already shadowed by the loss of their eldest boy to war, are about to shatter. With the return of a figure from the past, long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

Jeremy Herrin (NT Live: This House, People, Places & Things) directs a cast including Jenna Coleman (Victoria), and Colin Morgan (Merlin). All My Sons is an Old Vic co-production with Headlong.

Please note: this is a 'Delayed Live Screening' originally broadcast on 14 May 2019.

For more information about the performance, please visit the NT Live website.

In a reimagined 1590, England is a matriarchy. Baptista Minola is seeking to sell off her son Katherine to the highest bidder. Cue an explosive battle of the sexes in this electrically charged love story. Justin Audibert (Snow in Midsummer, The Jew of Malta) turns Shakespeare’s fierce, energetic comedy of gender and materialism on its head to offer a fresh perspective on its portrayal of hierarchy and power.

For more information about the performance, please go to the RSC website.

Shakespeare's enduring  love  story  is  known  the  world  over. Since  its  1965  premiere  with  The  Royal  Ballet,  Kenneth  MacMillan’s  Romeo  and  Juliet  has  become  a  modern  ballet  classic.  The  choreography  captures  the  emotions  of  the  young  couple  as  they  fall  in  love,  despite  the  barriers  that  finally  bring  about  the  story’s  tragic  end.  Each  revival  gives  opportunities  for  new  dancers  to  interpret  the  doomed  lovers.  The  whole  Company  brings  the  colour  and  action  of  Renaissance  Verona,  where  a  busy  market  all  too  quickly  bursts  into  sword  fighting,  and  a  family  feud  leads  to  tragedy  for  both  the  Montagues  and  Capulets.

For more information about this performance, please visit the Royal Opera House Live website.

"To whom should I complain?"

When a young novice nun is compromised by a corrupt official, who offers to save her brother from execution in return for sex, she has no idea where to turn for help. When she threatens to expose him, he tells her that no one would believe her. Shakespeare wrote this play in the early 1600s, yet it remains astonishingly resonant today. Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, directs this new production.

For more information about the performance, please go to the RSC website.