STRIKING up in style for the 2019 season, Opera South’s New Year party at the Georgian Hotel featured three talented opera stars and an internationally renowned pianist.

More than 100 guests at the gourmet dinner enjoyed champagne and canapés before the musical divertissements began, which included extracts from Opera South’s first 2019 production, Mansfield Park, at Haslemere Hall on February 22-23.

Opera South events organiser Sarah Barnes said: “Those who heard the party performers were unanimous in their praise of what will undoubtedly be a five-star show. Rhiannon Llewellyn will sing Aunt Norris, Rhonda Browne is Lady Bertram, and Thomas Humphreys will sing Sir Thomas Bertram. It’s a witty and attractive opera and Opera South has assembled a strong team, including designer Rachel Szmukler and James Hurley – an internationally acclaimed opera director, who just happens to live in Haslemere.

“We have long been showcasing talented soloists and ensuring that live opera is available throughout the region. Other 2019 events include two celebrity vocal recitals – the first features award-winning mezzo-soprano Anna Huntley on May 15 as part of Haslemere Festival, the second features award-winning baritone Julien Van Mellaerts at Champs Hill on July 5.”

To book Mansfield Park tickets, visit haslemerehall.co.uk.