Bampton Classical Opera was founded in 1993 by its artistic directors, Gilly French and Jeremy Gray.  Their well-established national reputation is founded on a policy of breathing new life into little-known works of the classical period, in lively and accessible productions of exceptional musical standards, with some of the best of the country’s young singers.  The staged operas are always sung in English, often in their own lively new translations.

"Britain’s unchallenged champion of 18th-century opera.  Witty, smart, fast-moving and admirably spiritedly sung by a vocally-satisfying cast, a laudably intelligent, sharp-witted team who were both vocally polished and dramatically rewarding" – Opera Now

"giddily exciting, propelled by wit, charm, and bags of joy" – The Spectator

"This delightful evening… conducted with panache, and a young cast was vigorous and fresh throughout" – The Daily Telegraph

"As delightful and diversely entertaining as eighteenth-century opera, in its more modest guise, was always intended to be" – Times Literary Supplement

"The epitome of opera in a garden" – The Times

"Beautifully sung and superbly acted, moving, funny and vivacious" – Audience member