A NEW ERA OF OPERA
If Opera is all about improving the way opera works, so that more people can enjoy its wonder. We want to normalise an art form that persists in the national psyche as something rare and impenetrable. That means changing the way we do things, from the roots up.
OUR VISION
‘...Then someone said: What if opera lifted everyone up? Not just the big starry names and the culturally or financially rich. But every one of us.
The breakthrough artists. The just graduated sopranos. The returning mother. The still-got-it tenor. The alternative director. The unestablished designer.
The hard-edged footie fan. The forever freelancer. The never-been-before teenager. The hip-hop hairdresser. The Tosca loving buff. The primary school class. The manor-born countrywoman. The uninspired account handler. The city centre care home. The soul-searching ponderer. The movie-loving Vicar. The thrill-seeking millennial. The die-hard thespians.
If Opera means more than the show... isn’t that wonderful?’
Sustainable Economics
If a performance has energy and creativity, creates a profound impact on its audience and reaches a breadth of hearts and minds, that’s what we call success.
Our approach means we’re able to offer accessible and diverse opera productions to more people by choosing unique venues, adapting our production methods and seeking out distinctive talent.
It’s a sustainable business model, designed to support employment, opportunity and innovation. But above all to create thrilling, visceral and memorable entertainment.
People First
The entertainment industry is a tough world, but we believe artists deserve fair pay and stability, and this in turn will help them to do their best work. If Opera forms a repertory ensemble every season, giving stable employment and experience to a group of performers and crew.
We believe it is the industry’s responsibility to nurture both emerging artists and re-emerging artists – those who for a variety of reasons have been off the opera circuit for a while. Both groups deserve genuine and dedicated support and we’re proud to offer these artists training, support and employment as part of our repertory ensemble.
“I was thrilled to debut the challenging and iconic role of Lucia di Lammermoor in 2024 with a company that already knew me well and prioritises artist development. This allowed me the creative freedom to discover Lucia during the production process - the perfect way to get to know her!
As a former young artist with If Opera, I know that opportunities for young artists to transition from education to major roles are essential and hard to come by. If Opera is crucial in providing this support for UK-trained singers.”
In the Community
As a registered charity we want to play our part in strengthening and supporting our local community. We are passionate about engaging and inspiring both young and old, including those with particular needs, so special projects in the wider community are hugely important to us.
Since 2010, If Opera (formerly Iford Arts) has been inspiring school children across Wiltshire and Somerset, providing opportunities for children to work alongside outstanding professional vocal animateurs, singers and musicians. Alongside this, our teatime concerts for older adults in the local community use live music as a springboard to bring people together and help nurture the companionship that we all so vitally need.
