Opera Holland Park have released booking details for their 2011 season (thanks to Vecchio John for the tip off). It's their most promising season yet, opening on 7 June with Richard Bonynge conducting Colin Lee in Don Pasquale and continuing with L'amico Fritz, Le nozze di Figaro, La rondine, Rigoletto and La Wally.
But there's a big change which won't please everyone.
The limited number of £10 tickets sold out instantly online last year, crashing the ticketing system and leaving many would-be buyers disappointed. So this year they can only be bought via telephone and will be limited to 4 per person per visit and 12 per person in total. They won't be released when public booking starts (7 April online or 11 April by phone), but on three separate dates (23 May, 17 June and 11 July) which fall two weeks before the opening night of each pair of productions.
The change is intended to make the ticket allocation fairer. I suspect it will, as intended, spread the cheapies amongst a greater number of people. But I'm not looking forward to spending more time and money queuing on the phone. I also anticipate a greater chance of disappointment - especially as the seating plan suggests the front row has been re-designated into a higher price category this year, leaving slightly fewer £10 places available overall.
At least they're waiving the standard £3 administration fee.
