THE search has begun for a new home for Garsington Opera following the announcement that it must leave the idyllic manor house that has been its home for two decades.

The board of directors of Garsington Opera said that the 2010 season would be the last at Garsington Manor.

The death of the opera's founder Leonard Ingrams three years ago was followed by an announcement by his widow Rosalind that the show would go on.

But the family has decided that the opera's occupancy will come to an end on September 30, 2010. A new home for the Opera is being sought for the 2011 season and thereafter.

The news will be greeted with some relief by some people in Garsington, who have been implacably opposed to the opera since it was set up, viewing it as a noisy intrusion.

The 2009 festival, Garsington's 20th anniversary season, has been planned and cast. The 2010 season has also been planned and casting is under way.

Graham Greene, chairman of the board of directors of Garsington Opera, said: "Garsington Opera has established a reputation for presenting a varied repertory including rarely performed works at a high standard, as well as giving a platform to young British talent.

"I am confident this will continue after the three seasons that we still have at Garsington Manor. It has been a marvellous 20 years, and I am very happy that we have the continuing support of the Ingrams family."