A visit to Wormsley Park is a charming experience at any time of the year. But with the announcement that it will be the new home of the Garsington Opera, it is sure to prove an even more popular destination.
The Wormsley estate is the family home of the wealthy and glamorous Getty family. Sir Paul Getty, an American philanthropist, lived there until his death in 2003.
The home’s manicured lawns, fish-filled lake and enchanting deer park made it the ideal residence for a man who was a confirmed Anglophile. Having been introduced to the game of cricket by rock star Sir Mick Jagger, he built a replica of the Oval cricket pitch within the grounds.
Getty would surely approve of the new pavilion that will adorn Wormsley and host Garsington Opera performances when the 2011 opera season starts. Architect Robin Snell has designed the pavilion to give the appearance it’s floating above the ground.
The pavilion will double as an auditorium and marquees, bars and terraces will also be constructed to make Wormsley the ideal place to hear arias on a balmy summer night.
The site’s backdrop of rolling Chiltern Hills is sure to appeal to opera lovers, with verandas and bridges linking the auditorium to the landscape.
Such a setting would be ideal if Midsomer Murders’ Inspector Barnaby were to investigate an opera-related death; a scenario which was traditionally the preserve of that other famous Oxfordshire detective, Morse.
Much more on South Oxfordshire’s music and activities.