After weeks of rain, the weather miraculously transformed into brilliant sunshine for Grayshott's first ever open air opera, 'The Barber of Seville' by Rossini. Ever since January, Grayshott Concerts organiser, Vivien Harrison had predicted fine weather: "How could it possibly rain on my birthday on '07/07/07'", she asked - and she was proved right.

Many of the 600 guests had reserved their seats in January to be sure of a place. The performance by national touring company Opera Box, delighted the audience who applauded, laughed and whooped with pleasure throughout this most popular opera, staged at Grayshott Primary School in the centre of the village.

"I'm totally converted to Opera now" said Kay Houlin. " I had no idea it would be so much fun. The cast were fantastic and their antics were hilarious. I can't wait to go again." One hundred of the guests enjoyed a gourmet alfresco supper served by Sponsors 'The Fox & Pelican' who were also kept busy providing refreshment to an enthusiastic and thirsty audience. During the interval, co-sponsor Tony Purslow Mercedes-Benz provided another centre of attraction with a gleaming display of their fleet of cars.

"We're really grateful for all the help and support we've received from so many local businesses in Buy In Grayshott (BIG) and other organisations and individuals" said co-organiser Peter Harrison. "Without grants, sponsorship, advertising income and huge amounts of support from our audience and physical helpers, ambitious projects like 'Barber' just wouldn't be possible. Thank you to everyone involved. Judging by reactions so far, classical open air performances could well become an annual event in Grayshott."

At the event, the Organisers announced the name of their new Director of Music, Rob Lewis, who is Head of Music at St Edmunds School in Grayshott. He has a passion for training choirs and singers, one of whom recently won a national competition organised by the BBC. Mr Lewis will be responsible for forming and training Grayshott Concerts' new Chamber Choir 'Excelsis' to perform major works for the group and elsewhere. Keen singers are invited to contact Mr Harrison on 01428 606666.

Grayshott Concerts next event is a performance of Karl Jenkins "The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace" with soloist and BBC Young Musician of the Year 2000, Guy Johnston on Saturday 3rd November 2007. Booking opens on 23rd July but tickets can be reserved now by ringing 01428 606666.

More photos from Grayshott Concerts can be viewed in the grayshott.com gallery