I WOULD just like to take a moment to rave about Winterbourne Opera.

This was my fifth consecutive visit to their wonderful summer performances.

This incredibly talented local opera group have just staged Donizetti’s Elixir of Love in the wonderfully versatile Salisbury Cattle Market.

I really did not think WO could top last year’s astonishing performance of Carmen.

Elixir of Love was set in a 1960s Hi-de-Hi style holiday camp and was truly colourful and very entertaining right from the first few notes.

Sung in English and easy to follow, this was a classic three-stranded love story.

The principal roles were sung by brilliant up-and-coming London-based opera stars of the future and the standard of the Winterbourne-based chorus was extremely high.

I love the founding vision of Winterbourne Opera, “to provide opportunities for young singers and musicians in a nurturing environment whilst making opera accessible for everyone”, and they do this with bells on.

There is such enthusiasm and talent. I’m sorry if you missed it.

Slightly disappointing were the number of empty seats – admittedly the concrete blocks in the cattle ring are not the most comfortable but we took cushions.

Where else can you enjoy a picnic with friends and be entertained by quality opera and a fabulous orchestra in Wiltshire for such a comparatively small ticket price?

I can’t wait to see what they turn their talented hands to next year and hope to see you there.

Debi Evans

Marlborough