British Youth Opera was founded in 1987 to provide emerging singers, musicians and technical trainees on the threshold of their careers with professional rehearsal and performance opportunities. We work to provide the very best training and professional development through an annual programme of workshops, masterclasses and two fully staged operas.

Participants are coached in all aspects of their craft with vocal coaching, dialogue, music and language coaching from world renowned experts. Our annual season of performances are rehearsed by directors and conductors with a wealth of experience and with a particular gift for nurturing and developing emerging talent

BYO is proud to run a unique Link Scheme pairing its singers with established singers with considerable experience of performing their particular role. In recent years this chance to learn from experiences professionals has also been extended to our technical trainees - assistant directors, conductors, designers and stage management

BYO is delighted to have a strong association with its resident orchestra Southbank Sinfonia, who contribute enormously to our annual season of performances, which are renowned by music critics, casting directors and agents as an opportunity to view up and coming talent.

Here's just a small selection of people's experiences of BYO...

What the Critics Say

“A really beguiling, enriching evening”  The Times on BYO’s The Cunning Little Vixen (2004)

“impassioned and musically intelligent… effortlessly stylish and intensely Mozartian… mighty basso profundo… awesome”  The Times on BYO’s Don Giovanni (2006)

“BYO has nurtured the careers of more excellent singers than almost any other institution in the UK... ...an excellent chance to hear the stars of the future.”  Metro, September 2003

What the Professionals Say

“...the brilliance that is British Youth Opera”   Sir Thomas Allen, President

“British Youth Opera is a true partnership for life between staff, performers, benefactors and audience. Long may it continue to flourish”  Dame Janet Baker, Vice-President

“I enthusiastically congratulate British Youth Opera’s goal and I am happy to offer a continuous contribution to their activities”  Maestro José Cura

What the Participants Say

"If it hadn't been for British Youth Opera, I don't know where I would be in my profession today.  They gave me the opportunity that every young singer needs more than anything before they embark into the professional world of singing… being in front of a live audience."
Katarina Karneus, Mezzo Soprano

BYO Alumni include… Katerina Karneus, Sally Matthews, William Dazeley.

Recent performances by BYO Alumni include… Jacques Imbralio (title role in Owen Wingrave, ROH); Mark Stone & Peter Auty (La bohème, ENO); Lucy Crowe (Poppea in Agrippina, ENO); Stephanie Marshall, Rebecca Bottone & Sarah Tynan (The Gondoliers, ENO); Garry Magee (Sharpless in Madam Butterfly, Scottish Opera)

What the Audiences Say

“ I usually have a little snooze sometime during an opera, but certainly didn’t do so that night – such acting and singing – sublime!”

 “… it was enhanced by the youthfulness of the cast; they could have been students, yet their voices were so mature and their acting skills well developed. I’m sure we shall hear more of them.”

“They were glorious, really a marvellous production. Everyone felt they were really in at the beginning of something and was proud to be there.”