Opera Holland Park is committed to identifying and nurturing talent. We believe that offering emerging singers, directors, conductors and répétiteurs the same opportunities, experiences and access as established performers is an integral part of their development.

Joining the Young Artists Circle is a direct way of supporting and nurturing emerging talent. Many of the alumni of the scheme go on to enjoy outstanding careers, and return to perform with us as in senior roles. In gratitude for your generosity, you will be offered exclusive opportunities to step closer to the work of the Young Artists, following
their journey from casting to performing on the Opera Holland Park stage.

“I cannot think of another opera company who puts such trust and faith in younger singers in the way that OHP does” – Charlotte Badham, 2021 Young Artist and 2023 Alumna

“Never have I felt so safe and supported to push my creative boundaries with such a lovely group of directors, coaches and colleagues” – Edward Kim, 2023 Young Artist

What is special about the Opera Holland Park Young Artists scheme?

Our Young Artist scheme was founded 12 years ago by the late Christine Collins. We are extremely proud of the progress they have made in their careers and the opportunities they have seized since the start of their journeys as Opera Holland Park Young Artists.

Unlike other training programmes, Opera Holland Park’s scheme offers the opportunity to rehearse in a professional environment and perform on a major London stage to a paying audience. As well as rehearsing alongside our main cast, the Young Artists have their own rehearsal space, receive individual mentoring and language coaching and a dedicated sitzprobe with the City of London Sinfonia.

Critics, agents and managers are invited to the Young Artists’ performances and, as a result of their participation in the scheme, alumni have gone on to develop successful careers. At Opera Holland Park, we are proud to welcome former Young Artists in our main stage casts each year.

“I can say with confidence that being a Young Artist Director has not only resulted in my main stage debut as an Associate and Young Artists Director in London, but has also created an opportunity for me to form long-lasting creative partnerships with some incredible artists, who I am sure I will also have the chance to work again in the future on the main stages of the opera world.” – Bence Kalo, 2023 Young Artist

The scheme also encourages participants to develop new skills through their involvement with our award-winning Inspire programme. They perform in Opera Holland Park’s Schools Matinees, and take part in Opera for Thought, a project that brings behind-the-scenes opera to people living with dementia and their carers, helping them to socialise and reduce isolation.

“The schools’ matinee performances were very special to me. I enjoyed sharing my experiences with the young school children who seemed so amazed with live opera. I think it is amazing that OHP does these outreach performances where we share this amazing art form with audiences across all ages. Seeing such enthusiastic audiences always remind me of why we do what we do – that is to share our love for music with more people. – Edward Kim, 2023 Young Artist

In my experience, the few companies that maintain a Young Artists programme tend to use their participants as covers for the principal roles of the season with the occasional masterclass and coaching sessions thrown in. Opera Holland Park offers all of this, but in addition, those lucky enough to be selected for the programme are given the chance to take part in a full public performance of one of the season’s operas, preceded by working sessions with the orchestra. I believe this to be a unique situation in the UK – providing a wonderful opportunity for the singers; the value of which is incalculable. Long may it continue
Steuart Bedford, conductor