Peterborough Opera has the aim of giving opportunities for people to take part in, and watch, live opera, sung in English, in performances across the Peterborough area. Backstage volunteers for scenery, wardrobe and production are welcome as well as amateur singers of all ages and experience. Each year, we perform one main opera production over several nights in a theatre either in Peterborough or Stamford. Also we hold concerts and recitals during the year, and sometimes take part in joint events with other musical groups. Please look at the Events Page on this website for our activities OR, for more details and pictures, visit www.peterboroughopera.co.uk.

The Peterborough Opera team at work and play

We always welcome new members and our usual rehearsal time is 7.30pm on Friday evenings in St Lukes Church, 128 Mayors Walk, Peterborough PE3 6EZ. Car parking is on site, and a bus route passes by. Also the venue is 15 minutes walk from Queensgate.

Rehearsals go on through school holidays – but no one minds if you miss the occasional rehearsal for your own holiday or other important needs. The important thing is to attend enough to feel confident in the music we perform and to support the company and our Musical Director Marc Murray. Members here are friendly and supportive and of all ages, from school age to pensioners. We realise that people need time to “find their feet” so please don’t feel you have to be an experienced singer. We do have some excellent singers, several who have been with the company for many years, so the company does take a pride in the standard achieved. Membership subscriptions are free for under 18s; £75 per year for adults and £45 for over-60s and unwaged. However we don’t ask you to pay until you have tried us out!

Our last opera – in October 2011 – was The Merry Widow by Lehar. We are already planning the 2012 production which will be two short operas of contrasting mood and style. These are Cavalleria Rusticana (by Mascagni) and Gianni Scicci (Puccini). Although the titles are Italian, the singing will be in English. These operas will be at Stamford Corn Exchange 7th-10th November 2012. WE ARE NOW LOOKING FOR A PRODUCER and will also be holding AUDITIONS early in 2012 for the Principal roles. Chorus singers are not asked to audition.

The year 2012 is full of other events too – concerts of one-night opera galas (in Peterborough and Wisbech); taking part in the Fotheringay Flower & Music Festival; and a host of other activities.

SO…..have a look at our company website www.peterboroughopera.co.uk; or visit our Facebook page. For any other details, or to let me know you want to join us, ring me, the Secretary, Sue Benjamins on 0777 999 8132 or email me at suebenjamins@gmail.com