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Singers
British Youth Opera was founded in 1987 to provide emerging singers 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 at Sadler's Wells' Peacock Theatre in partnership with Southbank Sinfonia.
Summer Season productions are rehearsed by directors and conductors with a wealth of experience and with a particular gift for nurturing and developing emerging talent. Participants are coached in all aspects of their craft with vocal, dialogue, music and language coaching given by leading experts in their respective fields. BYO also runs a unique Link Scheme during the season, pairing its singers with established performers who have considerable experience of performing their particular role.
This chance to learn from experienced professionals is also offered to assistant directors, conductors, designers, repetiteurs stage management and other technical trainees.
The Summer Season is regarded by music critics, casting directors and agents as an opportunity to view the next generation of professional opera singers.
In the Summer Season productions, singers participate as principals, covers or chorus, or a combination of these.
Principals
Each opera has a single cast of principals who sing at all performances. Rehearsals start with a week of music preparation, working with the conductor, vocal coach, and language coach if appropriate. Production rehearsals then follow for several weeks during which the director, movement director and designer create a production around the company, with Link sessions and continued coaching.
In the final days of rehearsal, the company moves into the theatre for a series of rehearsals on stage with both piano and orchestra, followed by a dress rehearsal in preparation for the first night. There are usually either two or three performances of each production.
Covers (Understudies)
Each opera has a full cast of covers who sing if a principal is sick and who perform a cover showing of 60 to 75 minutes duration on stage with orchestra. The cover cast is thoroughly rehearsed by the Assistant Conductor and Assistant Director as well as having coaching and Link sessions. Watching the rehearsals with the principal cast during the day, covers have their own rehearsals in the evening, and their own stage rehearsals in the theatre.
Chorus
At least one opera will include a chorus. Rehearsals start with music sessions after which the chorus will work with the production team to create the chorus scenes in the rehearsal room before moving on to the theatre.
Opera Workshops
BYO's Opera Workshop programme gives singers an opportunity in an intimate and closed environment to explore roles, character, the relationships between text and music, creativity and interpretation without the pressure of performance. These usually last for five days and numbers are limited so as to ensure the best experience for those involved.
Who should apply?
It is not necessary for singers to have previous stage experience, but they should be receiving regular singing lessons and have a serious interest in pursuing a career in opera.
