“YOU EXCEL AT WHAT YOU DO. WE ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU!” - Layla Moran MP
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
KIDS GO CLASSICAL!
Sunday 1st March at the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford 6.00pm
Experience the majestic world of opera as over 150 of Oxfordshire’s young people raise their voices together performing music from some of the world’s greatest composers. Thrill to the choruses and music from Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Macbeth and Aida, Mozart’s Figaro, Bizet’s Carmen and Humperdinck’s beautiful Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel. Performing alongside the Oxford Chamber Orchestra, who under the leadership of John Warner, will also present pieces by Rossini, Mascagni and Strauss, this promises to be a concert that will live long in the memory of all present.
Brand New
Youth Company
New Term starts 10 JANUARY 2026
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.
Opera in a day! at the Museum of Oxford February half-term – 18 February 2026
10.30pm – 4pm Ages 8 -12
Oxford Opera Company are once again sailing into MOX and heading for the high seas, but this time we’re leaving the pirate crew and joining the navy with Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera HMS Pinafore. Come along with us on our perilous sea adventure exploring the hilarious story and witty music. The day will be filled with music, drama, fun and laughter and will end with a sharing for families of our unique version of this timeless classic. As with all our workshops, it is suitable for those honing their music or performance skills, as well as those looking to explore music and performing for the first time.
Are you ready to splice the mainsail…scrub the decks and hopefully avoid walking the plank?! The press gang is out, and we want all musical adventurers to come along with us on this maiden voyage of HMS Pinafore with Oxford Opera!
Suitable for Children aged 8-12.
This workshop runs from 10.30am – 4.00pm.
Children will register at 10.30am and then parents or carers can return to see what we have created at 3.40pm
Cost from £40. Bursaries available on application.
Any questions contact Catie on education@oxfordopera.uk
OUR PRODUCTIONS
our team
Stuart Pendred
Artistic Director
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
Executive Director
Catie Simpson
Education & Outreach Manager
JOHN WARNER
Music Director