Welcome to Opera UK

Opera UK is a vibrant new company with exciting plans for the future.

Our intentions are simply set out.

In our productions, the story will be as important as the music: the acting as important as the singing and the casting will be appropriate and believable. Not for us the large middle-aged matron playing a young girl embarking on her first love affair!

To put these aims and intentions into practice we will mount first-rate touring productions, making them accessible to audiences worldwide, in places often starved of opera.

We will also put the ‘theatre’ back into opera by concentrating on the acting as well as the music.

We will be constantly searching for new young talent - and just as Toby Robertson’s Prospect Theatre Company in the 1970’s gave Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Eileen Atkins, Sir Derek Jacobi and many others their first big break in a leading role - we shall be doing the same for our singers. Those leading roles set those actors off on their distinguished careers and now they are supporting Opera UK as we create a new ‘Prospect’ for the opera world.

Finally, we will be mounting productions especially for children, with the intention of taking opera to them at a young age, in a positive and entertaining way.

So all of us who work at Opera UK believe it will have a great future and are grateful for the encouragement we have received from so many members of the profession, as we embark on this exciting enterprise.

John Mullis

Director and Founder

Opera Galas and Concerts

ANATO

Opera UK is happy to arrange Concerts, Opera Galas or Corporate Events.

These can be tailored to your individual requirements.

Choose a theme and we will create a wonderful evening for you. For further information, make your request to one of our team listed under ‘Contacts’.


From a Review of a Concert at St. Mary le Bow on November 12th 2009

“All six singers have marvellous voices and they all look as if they can act their socks off too. Opera UK and opera in the UK have nothing to worry about with talents such as these young singers.

CLASSICAL SOURCE


Opera UK Limited is a company registered in England and Wales, number 6715084 and a Registered Charity, number 1126657

News







AN EXCITING 12 MONTHS FOR OPERA UK


NEW PRODUCTION OF LA TRAVIATA
Opera UK’s new production of Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA will have its first performance at London’s RADA Studios (formerly the Drill Hall) on Monday November 12th at 7.30.
This will be followed by performances on November 13th – 15th at 7.30 with a matinee on the 14th at 2.30. In the Spring of 2013 this production will tour the UK. Details of the tour will be announced later.

AUDITIONS FOR LA TRAVIATA These will take place on Monday April 30th and Tuesday May 1st. Please contact Dan Norris for further details. danielnorris609@gmail.com



Our new opera, especially written for children, HELLO MR DARWIN, with music by Paul Barker, had its premiere at Burdett-Coutts School in Westminster on November 25th 2010 and there will be performances in Primary Schools throughout the UK in 2012.


Our programme of concerts will continue throughout 2012.


We are delighted to announce that JESSYE NORMAN has agreed to become an Honorary Patron of Opera UK.

Jessye Norman is a legendary performing artist. She has just received from the White House, the National Medal of Arts, presented to her by President Barack Obama, for her outstanding achievements and support of the arts.

The medal is the nation’s highest honour for artistic excellence. We send her our congratulations..

 

We are very encouraged by the support of our patrons and friends

 

Toby Robertson OBE:

"I am more than delighted to support the work of Opera UK. As a director of many operas and in my work with the Prospect Theatre and the Old Vic Companies, I know how vital it is to nurture the talent of those with obvious gifts and to give them their first chance in a leading role. There is also nothing more exiting than working with a new and dynamic ensemble."

 

Sir Ian McKellen

"The period between a singer, or indeed any performer, finishing initial, formal training and being established, is a crucial one. I benefited hugely from the opportunities I was given by the Prospect Theatre Company, with whom I toured in large classic roles for the first time as a young actor. I've no doubt that the aims of Opera UK, to encourage young musicians in a similar way, would not only benefit the individuals concerned but the music life of the nation."

 


Sir Derek Jacobi

"I am delighted to support Opera UK in any way I can. The whole concept is very exciting and its adaptability is a great advantage. I wish you every possible success!"