A blend of adventurous, little known works and staples from the repertoire has been a trademark feature of Opera Holland Park during the 16 years of its existence. In the case of its latest double bill, both ingredients are supplied on the same evening. Pietro Mascagni’s Zanetto is the rarity; Gianni Schicci, by his hugely more successful contemporary Giacomo Puccini, is the familiar and much loved favourite. Their link, besides the friendship of the composers and the verismo style of the composition, is a Florentine setting.

Zanetto, lasting a mere 45 minutes, presents a meeting between a rich fading beauty (Janice Watson) and what she takes to be a young man eager for her affections (soprano Patricia Orr in a breeches role). Disappointment, alas, awaits. Their exchanges, reminiscent of those between the Marschallin and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier, reveal Mascagni’s gift for melody. It is a pity, though, that the two voices rarely blend.

The comic romp that is Gianni Schicci fairly zips along under conductor Manlio Benzi as we watch the title character (well played by Alan Opie, above) gratifying a grasping family by impersonating their rich, dying relative in order to change his will. Gratitude vanishes, though, when Gianni contrives to bequeath the bulk of the fortune to himself, for the benefit of his daughter (Anna Patalong) and her fiancé Rinuccio (Jung Soo Yun). Great tuneful fun.

There are further performances on July 6, 12 and 14. Tel. 0300 999 1000 (operahollandpark.com).