Opera Prelude Young Artist Programme 2026

Established in 2010, the Opera Prelude Young Artist Programme offers professional support to young singers in the early stages of their careers. We are looking to audition the next generation of operatic talent for our 2026 Young Artist Programme. Participants are taken on for an initial period of one year during which they will have access to a range of performance opportunities and support. Opera Prelude Young Artists will take part in a series of concerts, lecture recitals and events for which a fee will be paid. Opera Prelude is distinctive in offering fairly paid outreach work, promoting the importance of empathy, gaining education experience and leadership roles within the community. In addition, each Young Artist will be offered a Masterclass with a top flight singer or conductor. Recent Masterclasses have taken place with Dame Felicity Lott, Roderick Williams, David Butt Philip and Dame Sarah Connolly. Other support includes contact with industry professionals and pastoral care. Further performance work may be available.

Application guidelines

Opera Prelude welcomes talented early career individuals inclusive of all genders and gender non confirming folx from all backgrounds, with proven performance ability.

• Postgraduate applicants with a vocal degree from a Conservatoire

• Applicants should have a strong interest in the cultural and historical background to opera and a passion for communicating this to audiences

Audition Information

Auditions will take place on 20th September between 10.00 and 17.00 at the Blackburn Hall, National Opera Studio, The Clore, 2 Chapel Yard, London SW18 4HZ.

Please note we cannot provide assistance towards your travel costs to the audition.

The audition will last 15 minutes and will consist of;

• Two contrasting operatic arias.

• Brief Interview with Opera Prelude Audition Panel comprised of industry specialists

• A pianist will be provided but you may bring your own

• The auditions will be attended by members of Opera Prelude’s audience

• The panel will be Elaine Kidd (ROH), Matthew Broom (ENO), Dr Adriana Festeu (Founder Opera Prelude) and Sue Bullock (CBE)

How to apply

Please send the following by email to Philip Sheffield , Artistic Director - Opera Prelude - philipsheffield@operaprelude.org by 17:30 pm, 1st August, 2025

• your CV

• a video file of maximum two contrasting arias with at least one in a language other than English.

• a reference from either an academic member of staff, vocal coach or other industry professional

• your covering letter highlighting your current studies or work and future ambitions.

• A short suggestion for a recital exploring an aspect of the opera world; for example; The history of the coloratura soprano / Trouser roles in opera / Baritone and tenor rivalries. This proposal may be discussed at the audition.

Applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the deadline whether or not they have been selected for audition. If selected to audition, you will be asked to submit your choice of music by the 8th of September.

What we offer you

• A year long commitment to work with you

• Fairly paid performance opportunities: lecture/recitals, concerts, private events and outreach work

• Masterclasses with established celebrity singers and industry professionals

• Pastoral care

• Network opportunities within the industry

What we expect from you

• Availability for performances in London and the South of England

• Participation in our outreach programme.

• Willingness to meet with our Donors and Sponsors, once a year (unpaid)

• Commitment to the work and ethos of Opera Prelude

• Professional work ethic

About Opera Prelude

Opera Prelude is a registered charity, established with the aim of supporting post-graduate singers in the transitional period between leaving Conservatoire and embarking on a professional career. We present a year-round programme of critically acclaimed and exciting lecture recitals, workshops, masterclasses, and concerts, before a ticket paying audience. We offer a platform for singers to exercise their performance skills, make industry contacts, and pastoral care. Currently we support almost 40 of the UK’s finest young artists, aged 25 – 34, who are not in education or full-time employment. Most Opera Prelude Young Artists go on to successful careers, finding agents, winning prizes and competitions and performing with major opera companies.

Opera Prelude takes seriously the equality of opportunities offered to young performers, musicians and those applying to join Opera Prelude in the future, relating to sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age.

You can find more information about Opera Prelude and our alumni on our website.

www.operaprelude.org

charity number 1158309