Chorus Development Programme
Our Chorus Development Programme launched in 2022, following open auditions to select local singers to be part of the chorus development programme in the build-up to our major production of ‘La Traviata’ at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.
The NI Opera Chorus is now a key part of our Artist Development Programme which started again for 2023 in March. The NI Opera Chorus are working with regular and guest coaches as we work our way towards our major production of ‘Tosca’ in September 2023. They performed ‘Chorus’ an evening of opera choruses on May 19th in the Harbour Commissioner’s Office in Belfast and the female members of the chorus took part in our performance of Mendelssohn’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ with the Ulster Orchestra at the UIster Hall in May 2023. They will be performing two free pop-up performances in August 2023 on the Maritime Mile before appearing in our September 2023 production of ‘Tosca’.
Find out more about the NI Opera Chorus here.
Chorus Reviews
‘The locally based NI Opera chorus is, post-Covid, new, recruited through open auditions earlier this year yet already able to produce the vital, full-bodied sound needed for Verdi’s beloved work. ‘ The Observer
‘Ravishing choruses, as hypnotic as the marquee arias, inject peroidic brio into the musical narrative.’ Theatre News
The NI Opera Studio
The Northern Ireland Opera Studio, (previously known as the Young Artists Programme) has been running since 2011 and to date has supported 39 emerging opera singers, helping prepare them for their future careers. It has offered its members a programme which includes studio-scale productions, recitals, and opportunities to be involved in main-stage productions. The singers have benefitted from individual coaching, masterclasses with leading international artists, as well as professional mentoring, career guidance, and language coaching. Additionally, the Studio members have played an active role in Northern Ireland Opera’s outreach work.
During 2023 the NI Opera Studio is adapting and will be supporting a number of emerging artists, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills in areas which will help them in their professional careers. The range of disciplines includes two conductors, a repetiteur and singers across opera and music theatre. This programme will help NI Opera grow a stronger skills base. Throughout the year we’ll be showcasing their talents in a range of different performance opportunities and experiences.
Find out more about the NI Opera Chorus and the Artist Development Programme 2023 in the link on the left.