We provide talented young opera singers, of all backgounds and communities, at the start of their careers with the unique opportunity to sing in fully-staged productions with orchestra, in rep, before audiences, at reasonable ticket prices. Speical pricing is arranged for schools and young people. Our productions are to a high standard, and receive critical approbation and awards. (For instance, we won the 2023 Off West End Award for Opera Performance). Our singers are often spotted at performances by opera companies and talent seekers, and many go on to have careers with leading opera companies in the UK and abroad.
HGO is run by volunteers. We typically stage two operas a year (April/May and November) with eight performances each. Our operas are double cast, each cast singing four times. We also organize other events during the year including concerts and schools events.
As with most opera, each production delivers a substantial deficit and the organization supports itself through donations and fundraising.
We recruit singers by open audition, and have found outstanding talent in singers of many different backgrounds and origins.
As any emerging talent knows, it is difficult to get the chance to sing a role – especially in a quality production. We give them that chance to experience the whole process of rehearsal and performance to a professional standard. For a young person, struggling to make a career as a singer, this is a chance to build a portfolio and gain invaluable experience, networks and publicity.
Many of our alumni have progressed to develop careers with professional opera companies in the Uk and abroad; we keep in touch with them and their stories are an inspiration for others.