W11 Opera for Young People

W11 Opera was founded in 1971 to give local children in west London an introduction to opera. It provides an opportunity for young singers to rehearse and perform work within the operatic medium which is relevant to their age group.

To date over 2000 children and young people from 100 London Schools have taken part in 37 commissioned operas.

Every year we rehearse and perform a new or recently commissioned opera with a cast of 70-80 young people aged 9-18.  Our participants come from all over London to rehearse for the autumn term at St James’s Church in Holland Park culminating in professionally staged performances in December at POSK.

At the core of W11 Opera are the values of excellence and inclusion and our goal remains exactly the same as it was when we were first established 48 years ago: To provide the highest quality musical opportunity to all children, regardless of background, education, or prior musical experience.

Commitment to the schedule is more important than the ability to hold a tune. A place in the production is by subscription and auditions are only held to cast main roles. Each year we offer full bursaries to 25% of the cast.

If you are interested in being a part of our next production, please look at our registration page. Or for more information on how auditions click HERE.

To find out more about our beginnings, please visit our History page or check out our Alumni page to see who else has been part of W11 Opera. You can also see what past cast and parents have to say HERE.

If you are inspired to support us or would like to discuss composing a new work for our cast in the future please check out our other pages or contact us at w11@w11opera.org