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Let's get YOU working!
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© Co-Opera Co. 2008 -2012
Co-Opera Co. is a
Registered Charity
No. 1136851
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- Our story so far ………………………
- Co-Opera Co. is an innovative opera company which has at its heart the welfare and promotion of professional opera singers and orchestral players in the early stages of their careers, post-graduates nearing the conclusion of their course, budding conductors, directors, répétiteurs and people working towards a career in the technical side of the operatic profession.
- Co-Opera Co. was founded by Soprano Kate Flowers and Lighting Designer Paul Need and developed from their realisation that the career path of young singers entering the operatic profession today is severely hampered by the absence of the kind of small prestigious companies which were prevalent in the 1970’s and 80’s. It was possible at that time for singers straight from college to work alongside seasoned professionals, in top class productions in major venues, learning invaluable lessons by watching and working with experienced artists - earning whilst learning. Of course there are still some opportunities for emerging artists to do this but they are rare, and with so many singers entering the market place each year, unfortunately supply is outstripping demand.
- So in 2008 Kate and Paul decided they should do something about it. They gathered together over 50 eminent professionals from every area of the profession; all personal friends and all of whom feel passionately that it is their duty to pass on their expertise to the next generation.
- Co-Opera Co. was formed. Singers helping singers, musicians helping musicians.
- The Co-Opera Co. mission is to provide aspiring artists with the chance to work with and learn from some of the most highly regarded singers, conductors, directors, actors and choreographers in the business today; to provide invaluable, paid performance opportunities; and, through the association with people of influence, give them a helping hand at the beginning of their career. This is done through a comprehensive training programme – Connections – where Co-Opera Co. members work on every aspect of opera in workshops, Masterclasses, private coaching and the Summer Season.
- All this is in preparation for Co-Opera Co. Summer performances of fully staged operas with orchestra in London and an Autumn tour to major houses throughout the UK.
- Co-Opera Co. = earning whilst learning.
- Co-Opera Co.. has gained an excellent reputation in its short life throughout the profession and beyond. Since the first weekend workshop in January 2009, over 400 aspiring singers, directors, conductors, répétiteurs, orchestral musicians, and stage management have trained and performed with Co-Opera Co.. The company has toured five new productions, La Boheme, Albert Herring, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen and The Magic Flute to Cheltenham, Portsmouth, Blackpool, Croydon, Malvern, Wellingborough, Buxton, Bury St. Edmunds, Harrow, Chesterfield, Llandudno and Wilton’s Music Hall in London.
- In 2012 the two major touring productions are Don Giovanni and Hansel and Gretel plus a revival of The Magic Flute
- and a new devised piece “Opera – The Musical”
- Co-Opera Co. has also developed a series of Opera Galas, which, added to the touring dates, give their young singers and musicians invaluable, paid performance experience.
- Co-Opera Co. does all this with no outside funding.
- The company is entirely self-funded; relying, so far, on donations to the Philip Langridge Bursary fund, on box office sales and on contributions from participants to cover costs.
- The company’s next goal is that no participant should have to pay for what Co-Opera Co.. has to offer.
- So, 2012 will see the launch of a major fund-raising campaign, which will ensure that Co-Opera Co. can carry on its valuable work at no cost to participants.
- If you feel that you would like to help Co-Opera Co. in any way; by contributing to the Philip Langridge Bursary Fund, becoming our friend or joining our mailing list to be kept informed of our performances and training programmes, then please contact Artistic Director, Kate Flowers at info @ co-opera-co.org
PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS
2009
- Albert Herring - conducted by Nicholas Cleobury, directed by Ashley Dean,
- La Boheme - conducted by Tim Murray, directed by William Relton
2010
- The Marriage of Figaro - conducted by Robin Newton, directed by Jacopo Spirei.
- La Boheme - conducted by Stephen Higgins, directed by William Relton
2011
- Carmen - conducted by James Holmes, directed by William Relton
- The Magic Flute - conducted by Stephen Higgins, directed by Christopher Newell.
So far, we feel we can safely say that we are achieving our aim to make a difference.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to us about the Connections programme or Co-Opera Co. productions, please e-mail us at info@co-opera-co.org or call 020 8699 8650.
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“I think this is a wonderful initiative. We have just completed our exhaustive auditions for next year. 256 people from 50 countries for only 5/6 places. Although there were some really good "singers", we all know that there is always someone better, younger, hungrier and cheaper - no matter who you are!! And what was apparent is that there is a general lack of guidance for singers at the start of their careers on how to raise the bar from being one of many good singers to becoming an interesting and unique artist. I therefore unreservedly support this initiative which actively aspires to encourage this awareness.”
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David Gowland - Artistic Director, Jette Parker Young Artists Programme, Royal Opera House Covent Garden
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“I have learned an incredible amount about my performance through Co-Opera workshops.
My undergraduate and postgraduate studies primarily concerned refining my vocal technique, and I’ll be honest, I thought that was pretty much it! However, since completing just two Co-Opera workshops, I have realised that I still have a lot to learn. As singers, we are unfinished books. We should never stop learning and, more importantly never stop wanting to learn. Having constantly been told to ‘be the character I am playing,’ I was confused and really didn’t know where to begin. I now know that I was trying too hard to convey my character’s emotions, and employing unnecessary, awkward and dishonest gestures. By peeling away the layers to get to the core of your role, the tutors at Co-Opera really help you to become the character you’re playing. Not only is this study imperative to us becoming well-rounded performers, but it’s also done in a friendly and informal atmosphere. I urge anyone who’s insistent on this competitive profession to book into a workshop now””
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Laurie Ashworth- Associate Member
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