Grimeborn Opera Festival opens this evening with Puccini’sIl Tabarro.

Packed full of talent, class and grit, the lineup for Grimeborn 2012 (21 Aug – 8 Sep) will play host to the traditional and the new. We’ll witness the heavyweight impressions of Mozart, Handel and Philip Glass along with some of the most cutting-edge composers in the opera world. There are special treats throughout including a children’s opera ofHansel & Gretel (by Engelbert Humperdinck) and an anti-opera about sexuality and taboos.

The unique location of Arcola Tent is unparalleled as a creative space for accommodating opera and the venue should establish an otherworldly atmosphere for audiences and performers alike during the programme.

The season isThe Independent onSunday and the Times Critics’ Choice.