Southern England at its best! A group of members of the Förderkreis visited two extraordinary venues - Garsington Opera and Grange Park Opera - on a five-day cultural trip to the picturesque south of England. Quite rightly, these two summer festivals, set in the middle of English gardens, are considered by opera lovers to be the most important opera events of the year - picnics in all weathers included. With WERTHER by Jules Massenet and ARIADNE AUF NAXOS by Richard Strauss, the fellow travellers experienced two wonderfully staged and musically magnificent opera nights. 

The group visited Windsor Castle, Oxford including Christchurch College, the unique gardens of Polesden Lacey, West Green House - designed by Marylyn Abbott - and Waddesdon Manor, owned by the Rothschild family. 

Finally, the group spent a few hours in the Royal Botanic Garden - Kew Gardens - which has been a UNESCO heritage site since 2003.

The journey was so enjoyable that we are sure to set off again for the most beautiful opera places in the world.

Why not travel with us - we look forward to it!