Longhope Opera in Newton Valence welcomed a group of school children and MP Damian Hinds to watch a final dress rehearsal of Donizetti’s opera, L’elisir d’amore, on Friday evening – ahead of two public performances last weekend.

The visit of children from The Hurst School in Tadley was organised, free of charge, in partnership with Hampshire Music Service.

It came before performances by the London-based Scherzo Ensemble, a collective of 60 young performers who are at the dawn of their careers, on Saturday and Sunday.

Scherzo Ensemble artistic director Matthew O’Keefe said: “Our vision is to make new, exciting productions that are accessible to all, and our children’s performances have become a highlight of our time at Longhope.

“A lot of the children have never seen an opera before and it is such a pleasure to see their faces light up when they realise how entertaining and funny it can be.

“L’elisir d’amore is a very funny opera with exciting and beautiful music.

“It’s all set in a small town square and follows a simple love story which is made much more interesting when cheap wine is mistaken for a powerful love potion.”

Mr Hinds congratulated Longhope Opera for offering such an “enriching experience” to young children who may not have had the opportunity to watch an opera, which he described as “a level of art and expression way beyond anything else”.

It is the third summer Hamish and Lindy Janson have hosted the London-based Scherzo Ensemble in the gardens of their Longhope Estate.