The company was formed jointly by Noel Jervis and Andrew Nicklin (Artistic Director), ably assisted by Simon Theobald and Stephen Godward (Chorus Director), in 1996, when its first performances at the Nottingham Playhouse delivered a memorable production of Albert Herring along with The Yeomen of the Guard; to these were added celebrity and gala concerts, two lunchtime concerts and some late night entertainment. The long-term idea was to bring together the best talent in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire with a view to regular productions of opera, the classic musicals and the company’s great love of Stephen Sondheim’s works. In other words, the objective was to make quality productions at affordable prices in a professional setting, and at the same time helping to forge professional careers for some of the region’s exciting musical talent, whilst giving local amateurs the opportunities to perform works alongside these emerging professionals.

Since then the company has indeed produced some great works including Madam Butterfly, Aida, Carmen, Turandot, La Traviata and in 2008, will present two of the greatest operas ever written, many people’s favourite opera, La Boheme and Mozart’s most loved work, Don Giovanni. Alongside these major pieces the company has presented award-winning productions of Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Pacific Overtures and A Little Night Music, together with a number of musicals, including Carousel, Guys and Dolls and Cabaret. Gilbert & Sullivan has also featured in its repetoire with The Yeomen of the Guard, The Mikado, the Pirates of Penzance and Patience again winning some top awards at the Buxton International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.

The concert platform has also been a feature of the company’s work. Smaller, more intimate Lunchtime foyer concerts during the week of its Theatre Royal productions have been a popular feature presented by local artists, including the High School Big Band and other smaller groups, as well as the major gala events at the Royal Concert Hall. The most memorable was perhaps the Millennium concert in November 1999, sung to a near-capacity house. The company is pleased to give this presentation of Lerner and Loewe’s works and on 9 December 2007, plans a glorious celebration of Christmas, with opera hits, ballet music, Strauss together with Christmas music, including the much-treasured traditional items with audience carols, plus flavours of a Broadway Christmas, Victorian times and a time for Children. Beyond that make a note of 29 June 2008 (a provisional date) when the company again appears in the Royal Concert Hall.

Nottingham Festival Opera

Registered Company no. 3677415
Registered Charity no. 1074855

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