Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable, whose painting is pictured, were also the greatest of rivals.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present Turner & Constable, a special cinematic exploration of two acclaimed British artists, on Sat., May 9, at 1 p.m. The screening is part of the Opera House’s Arts in the Afternoon series of events, sponsored by Dr. James M. & Marcia Merrins.

Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other, both used landscape painting to reflect the changing world around them. Turner’s blazing sunsets and sublime scenes from his travels and Constable’s idealized depictions of beloved places from home whipped the public of the time into a frenzy of enthusiasm. Critics compared their starkly different styles to a clash of “fire and water.”

Tate Britain brought these two greats together for a groundbreaking exhibition in London from November 2025 to April 2026. This unmissable new cinematic productions brings Turner’s and Constable’s extraordinary art and remarkable stories to the big screen so that both can be enjoyed together. Marking 250 years since their births, it explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition. Discover unexpected sides to both artists with intimate views of sketchbooks and personal items and insights from leading experts.

“The camera is allowed to pan across each painting, taking in every brushstroke” – The Times (London)

Individual tickets are $15, ($10 students). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org. Opera House programming is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

For this production, the Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.