British Youth Opera
Since it was founded in 1987, British Youth Opera (BYO) has enabled over a thousand singers, instrumentalists, conductors, directors and production staff to gain experience through its annual September performances and workshop and masterclass series.
The company provides training opportunities for highly gifted young people embarking on a career in opera, and many former members of British Youth Opera are now working with major opera companies both in this country and abroad. The company performed the first London performances of Flight by Jonathan Dove in 2008.
Brief History
British Youth Opera was started by Denis Coe MP in 1987 as at that time he perceived a lack of experience on offer for opera singers who were completing their vocal training to actually perform. He felt there was a gap which was being addressed for talented orchestral musicians and actors but not for opera singers. Since that time many of British Youth Opera alumni have gone on to successful careers in opera houses all over the world and are always main prize winners at international competitions. BYO are a stepping stone not only into the profession but also on to the advanced training courses at the Royal Opera House and the National Opera Studio. Successful alumni include Rebecca Bottone, Lucy Crowe, Rosemary Joshua, Sally Matthews, Victoria Simmonds, Peter Auty, Christopher Maltman, Matthew Stiff, and Mark Stone.
Funding and Partnerships
Since 2002 British Youth Opera has been core funded by Arts Council England in addition to raising its funding from Trusts and Foundations and many individual donor schemes. British Youth Opera work in close collaboration with the major music colleges and conservatoires and work in partnership with Southbank Sinfonia. British Youth Opera is a Charity with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as its Patron. The President is Sir Thomas Allen and Vice-Presidents include Dame Felicity Lott, Maestro José Cura and Bryn Terfel.
British Youth Opera is sponsored by London South Bank University in the form of accommodation, rehearsal space and services. Its annual September performances are held at the Peacock Theatre, Kingsway.