our vision
Award winning, and BBC short-listed finalists, Oxford Opera is a city-based company with the people of Oxfordshire at the heart of its vision.
Providing top-class productions, featuring the best UK-based professionals alongside giving opportunity to the local young people to work in a professional production is a unique aspect of our work. Alongside our main-stage work, our continuing provision of education and outreach workshops available to any and all in the county and our ‘restoration’ programme in collaboration with oxford health NHS, Oxford Opera is committed to using music, theatre and the creative disciplines to enrich the lives of all members of the county of Oxfordshire which the company serves.
“World class opera for everyone – with the people at its heart.”
“You excel at what you do. we are very lucky to have you!”
Layla Moran MP
Ambassador’s recital
Rachel Nicholls,soprano
Iain Burnside, piano
14 November 2024
Trinity College, oxford
Thursday 14 November
7.00pm
Trinity College, Oxford
Tickets £25/£5
Oxford Opera is delighted to present its first Ambassador’s Recital
A concert featuring music by Finzi, Wagner, Strauss, Britten, Walton, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov.
Oxford Opera is delighted to present its first Ambassador’s Recital given by internationally renowned soprano Rachel Nicholls and pianist Iain Burnside. Widely recognised as one of the most exciting dramatic sopranos of her generation, Rachel Nicholls is widely known for her incredible performances for the Royal Opera House, Scottish Opera, ENO and Longborough Festival. She also brings a mesmerising presence and intimacy to those lucky enough to attend one of her rare recital appearances in partnership with one of the UK’s finest pianists Iain Burnside.
In this rich and varied programme of songs and opera repertoire, they will be joined by bass-baritone, Founder and Artistic Director of Oxford Opera Company, Stuart Pendred.
An intimate recital that promises to brighten the dark of a November evening.
Opera-in-A-day
There’s a storm a brewin’
31 October 2024
Half-term fun at MOX
Opera-in-A-day for 8-12 year old
Get ready to be swept away for a day with Oxford Opera, as we explore storms within opera, and create our own through music, movement and body percussion!! Many famous operas including Verdi’s ‘Otello’, Britten’s ‘Peter Grimes’ and Ades’ ‘The Tempest’ use music to evoke storms in their stories.
Suitable for those honing their music or performance skills, as well as those looking to explore music and performance for the first time, this workshop will include thunder, lightening, hurricanes, rain, hail…and anything else your own imagination can create. Don’t miss this musical adventure that will take you right into the eye of an operatic storm!
Thursday 31 October
10.00am – 4.30pm Ages 8 -12
Museum of Oxford
Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1BX
£39 (booking fees apply)
Bursaries available on application.
Any questions contact Catie on education@oxfordopera.uk
Brand New
Youth Company
launches 21 September 2024
Q: What is Opera?
A: “It is the human story, told in the most incredible way, set to the most amazing music.”
Join Oxford Opera every Saturday during term time in the heart of the city at The Old Fire Station for the Oxford Opera Youth Company. We offer TWO age-specific groups allowing everyone to explore their own creativity, learn new skills and make new friends.
Led by our expert team of facilitators the weekly sessions look at the wide range of skills that go into making opera – storytelling, singing, stagecraft, movement, composition, and even stage combat! This is a brand new and unique opportunity to get to know this fabulous art form from all angles! You will learn well-loved opera repertoire, but also explore creating new and exciting pieces as a group.
The course will also include visits from specially invited professional guests who will bring their experience and wisdom to their session – showcasing and focusing on a wide range of different skills throughout the year.
There will also be a minimum of two different performance opportunities throughout the year for everyone in the Company – including the possibility of joining the professional cast of Oxford Operas’ fully staged production of TOSCA at The Oxford Playhouse, in March 2025.
Every Saturday from 21 September
2.15pm – 3.15pm Ages 8 -12
3.30pm – 5pm Ages 13 – 16
Cost from £70 per term. Bursaries available on application.
Taster session available on request. To arrange one or for any questions contact Catie on education@oxfordopera.uk
OUR PRODUCTIONS
our team
Stuart Pendred
Artistic Director
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
General Manager
Catie Simpson
Education & Outreach Director
JOHN WARNER
Music Director