With a new era dawning as Sebastian Schwarz takes over as General Director, what better way to open the season than with David McVicar’s seminal Meistersinger, a hymn to what opera – and Glyndebourne – does best.

Every bit as exhilarating as its first outing in 2011 McVicar’s production brings the novelistic scale of Wagner’s invention to bristling life.

Vicki Mortimer’s magnificent set teems with people, even boiling over into a midsummer riot. The final scene as the people of Nuremburg gather for the song competition is as rousing as it is heart-stoppingly beautiful.

When the entire cast and chorus sing  ‘Wach Auf!’ you are wide awake but have to pinch yourself that it’s not all the most glorious dream.

At the heart of Meistersinger is the acceptance of change and the challenge of creativity.

Act III’s perfectly judged quintet is a touchstone and the song-writing scene between the wonderful Gerald Finley as the troubled Sachs and Michael Schade’s passionate Walther is as compelling a depiction of the consolation of art as you will ever see. 

The stage warms with morning light as words and music are set down and the two artists begin to hope of a bright future.