We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and will take any measures necessary and possible next summer to ensure the safety of audiences, performers and staff. We still hope to mount the 2020 productions at a later date, as the pandemic and artist schedules allow.

We are extremely grateful to our patrons, who have stepped up with generosity of both spirit and purse, following the postponement of the 2020 season. Of those individuals who had bought tickets before performances were cancelled, over 40% made either a full or part donation of the ticket value, the majority with the benefit of Gift Aid, and many also made an extra donation. Another 6% left funds as a credit for use at a future date. A number of other individuals and institutions have made generous donations to help in the current situation. This largesse has helped us to meet some of the cost of paying a percentage of fees to all those contracted for the 2020 season.

Inspire, our International Opera Award-winning education and outreach project, is continuing to work throughout the current health crisis with local partners including Age UK, using digital technology to reach isolated communities. There have been musical afternoons and tea parties for older audiences, and workshops for local schoolchildren. The annual Open Day went ahead on Saturday 23 May, albeit virtually, with interactive online workshops, music and activities for all the family.

On the week that would have been the opening of our 2020 summmer season, we were delighted to give a free one-off screening of our acclaimed 2019 production of Un ballo in maschera, on Wednesday 3 June at 7.30pm, originally filmed as part of Inspire to reach members of the community unable to attend the theatre in person. Available via our website or YouTube channel.

As soon as restrictions on public performance of live music were lifted, we were delighted to produce five outdoor events between 25 July and 15 August on the Holland Park Terrace. Find out more about those here.