Formed in 1995, Riverside Opera is a community-based grand opera company, providing opportunities for singers and instrumentalists, both professional and amateur, to gain valuable experience working with professional artistic staff.
We perform one major opera each year as well as producing opera concerts at other local venues. For each new production we welcome new singers to the chorus and to the world of grand opera, in addition to providing an opportunity to members, and others, to perform principal roles. Young musicians and singers also gain experience of performing in opera and in a professional theatre. Developing the skills of our members in a wide range of capacities, both on stage and behind the scenes, is an important aim.
Riverside Opera is a Community Partner working with Tiffin Performing ArtsCollege and all rehearsals are held at Tiffin School. Selected students from the school have had the opportunity to work with professional guidance, as singers, actors, instrumentalists and theatre technicians.
If you wish to be included on our general mailing list or seek any other information about the company please contact: information@riversideopera.co.uk
RIVERSIDE OPERA
President: Kathryn Harries
Kathryn is internationally renowned for the extraordinary breadth of her repertoire and for the dramatic intensity of her performances. She studied singing and piano at the Royal Academy of Music with Constance Shacklock and Flora Nielsen.
After leaving the Royal Academy, Kathryn Harries spent some years dividing her time between presenting the award-winning Television series `Music Time' (of which she recorded over 60 programmes and an associated LP) and a developing concert career. She made her Royal Festival Hall debut in 1977 since when she has been in considerable demand in repertoire ranging from Monteverdi to the 20th Century.
Kathryn is enormously supportive of Riverside Opera and often joins us in both rehearsal and performance.
Music Director - Peter Crockford GBSM, ABSM, ARCM
A graduate of the
Birmingham School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, Peter began
his career as a vocal coach and repetiteur at Glyndebourne Festival and Touring
Opera, Wexford Festival Opera and New Sadler's Wells. He conducted the European tour of West
Side Story and was then asked to join the staff of the Stadt Theater Greiburg as
Assistant to the General Music Director.
Since returning to the UK he has conducted for Crystal Clear Opera,
London City Opera, European Chamber Opera and concerts with the Wren Orchestra,
the National Symphony Orchestra and Endymion Ensemble. Peter was appointed Music Director of
Riverside Opera in June 2009.
RIVERSIDE OPERA
Committee:
Chairman: Ronnie Ingram, Business Manager: Sally Passingham, Finance Manager: Mike Sugrue
Administration Manager: David Payne, Secretary: Diana Payne
Committee Members:
Anne Ingram, Rachel Jones, Hermann Maier, Giovanni Tagliarini, Pam Wardley
Music Director: Peter Crockford
Artistic Director: Richard Gregson
Anyone wishing to be considered for the roles of:
Production Director Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer
We hold auditions each year for principal roles in our main productions. Initial enquiries should be directed to Sally Passingham, Auditions Secretary: auditions@riversideopera.co.uk
Next Production See 'Future Productions' for details. Notice of auditions will be advertised in 'Opera' Magazine.
Concerts The casting of principals for our concerts is by invitation.
