Longhope Opera is an annual Bel Canto festival showcasing emerging artists, hosted at the Longhope Estate in Newton Valence, Hampshire. Every Summer since 2015, Longhope has welcomed several hundred guests to it's charming grounds. Guests take walks around the gardens, enjoy chamber music and a drinks reception, before they are entertained with a comic opera from Scherzo Ensemble and enjoy dinner overlooking the South Downs.

Guests at Longhope have previously enjoyed several gala concerts, The Marriage of Figaro, The Barber of Seville, Il turco in Italia, L'elisir d'amore, La Cenerentola and Don Pasquale. This summer, having wowed thousands of guests since 2019, Scherzo Ensemble will return with their seventh production. To deliver this festival production, Scherzo assembles an entire company (performers, creatives, technical staff and management) of emerging professionals. The central aim is to help young practitioners gain professional experience and build confidence, with the associated aims of fostering deeper respect and understanding between theatrical departments.  

Longhope would not be possible without the help & support of so many.
We would especially like to thank:

  • Fergus & Emma Slinger who kindly donate the location for this charitable event.

  • The whole village of Newton Valence – particularly the NV Social Club committee for making us feel so welcome down at the Village Hall.

  • All the wonderful people locally who welcome us into their homes, hosting us during production week. Without you, we could not make this happen.

  • Our Patrons & supporters, who donate so generously to our productions.

  • Our dedicated team of ad hoc gardeners

  • Newton Valence Estate Staff