Our Next Production: MACBETH 7th and 8th June 2019
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ABOUT PRESTON OPERA Preston Opera was formed over fifty years ago to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of Opera in central Lancashire. Over the years the company has staged many major opera productions and has given many thousands of people the opportunity to see and be part of this most powerful of art forms. The Company currently has around 100 active members, ranging from teenagers to the 'young at heart'. The main focus of the Company's activities is the production of an opera in the Charter Theatre each spring and a concert before Christmas. The Company rehearses every Thursday evening at Carey Baptist Centre, Pole Street, PR1 1DX and new members are always welcome. We are always on the look-out for chorus singers, particularly tenors and basses. For those who don't fancy singing there are many other ways of getting involved as help is always welcome with make-up, costume, scenery and the many other responsibilities that go towards making an opera. |
HISTORY
Preston Opera Group was formed in 1965 under the guidance of founder member Frank Salter. By 1979 the group had grown so much that a name change to Preston Opera Company was appropriate, later simply to Preston Opera. The first production was Mozart's Don Giovanni and since then many productions have been mounted, including operas ranging from Offenbach's La Belle Helene to Verdi's Il Trovatore, and many concerts have also been given.
The Company includes many highly trained singers, some who have had auditions and engagements with professional companies.
Usually the Company performs in the 800 seat Charter Theatre Preston but has also used the smaller Playhouse Theatre and even the Guild Hall itself for major events such as a spectacular production of Verdi's Nabucco for the 1992 Preston Guild. Concert performances, usually in churches in the Preston area, are seen as an important part of the activities.
The Preston Opera Orchestra usually accompanies the productions. For many years the orchestra has been led by Helen Andrews and it has benefited greatly by the generosity of Mr Lawrence Hunt, Patron of the Arts.
Since Frank Salter stepped down in 1997 the Company has been guided by several Music Directors: John Amriding, a long-standing member, was followed in 2001 by David Sutton from the Royal Northern College of Music. David, who is now a life member, was followed by Robin Newton and then Chris Gill (founder of the locally-based touring group, Heritage Opera). Chris was succeeded by Dr Colin Beeson, who joined us in 2009 shortly before retiring from his position as Deputy Principal at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he worked for some 35 years. Our current Music Director is Helen Harrison.
The Company includes many highly trained singers, some who have had auditions and engagements with professional companies.
Usually the Company performs in the 800 seat Charter Theatre Preston but has also used the smaller Playhouse Theatre and even the Guild Hall itself for major events such as a spectacular production of Verdi's Nabucco for the 1992 Preston Guild. Concert performances, usually in churches in the Preston area, are seen as an important part of the activities.
The Preston Opera Orchestra usually accompanies the productions. For many years the orchestra has been led by Helen Andrews and it has benefited greatly by the generosity of Mr Lawrence Hunt, Patron of the Arts.
Since Frank Salter stepped down in 1997 the Company has been guided by several Music Directors: John Amriding, a long-standing member, was followed in 2001 by David Sutton from the Royal Northern College of Music. David, who is now a life member, was followed by Robin Newton and then Chris Gill (founder of the locally-based touring group, Heritage Opera). Chris was succeeded by Dr Colin Beeson, who joined us in 2009 shortly before retiring from his position as Deputy Principal at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he worked for some 35 years. Our current Music Director is Helen Harrison.
