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History
In the winter of 1976/77 a small group of talented and enthusiastic musicians decided to stage an opera. Their first venture was Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, which was performed in the summer of 1977 at the Falmouth Arts Centre. A suitable venue, for the Arts Theatre had been the home of the renowned operatic productions of the Radford sisters between the years 1923-1964. Such was the success of this production that Duchy Opera was formally established.
Since then Duchy Opera has produced over 30 operas, many of them taken on tour throughout Cornwall and Devon, and has participated in concerts including light opera, the very popular Last Night of the Proms and the inaugural prom at The Eden Project.
When the ‘Hall for Cornwall’ was officially opened, Duchy Opera was asked to sing at the inaugural opening as the ‘ultimate’ test of its acoustics. All of our major productions are now performed at the Hall for Cornwall which holds just under 1000 seats. Having such modern facilities available to us has enabled us to demonstrate and realise the professionalism of the Company and audience numbers have increased dramatically as a result.
The mission of Duchy Opera has always been to inspire and entertain the county’s diverse community through the presentation of excellent opera, operetta, music theatre and education programmes that enhances the quality of life in Cornwall.
Duchy Opera continues to attract the finest singers, musicians, directors, designers and other creative individuals from the West Country and is fortunate in having a number of extremely talented soloists from which to cast the principal parts. When it is not possible to cast from within the company, we have had no difficulty in engaging professionals; we like, when ever, to engage aspiring professionals, with a local connection.
All operas are sung in English although at concerts and gala evenings the Company will show that singing in the original language presents no challenge.
Duchy Opera produces one main production at the Hall for Cornwall each year, a touring opera every other year, country house concerts and galas …. throughout the year.
In 2003 Duchy Opera celebrated its Silver Jubilee with sell out concerts throughout the County of Cornwall and showcasing soloists and works from across the 25 years.
Today, Duchy Opera has a paid membership of more than 100 and each year this number grows through encouraging new members to join and enjoy the fun of staging and performing operas within a friendly and talented team.
The professionalism of Duchy Opera performances may surprise some audiences, considering that the majority of its cast and crew have ‘regular’ nine-to-five jobs. Duchy Opera remains a volunteer organisation as all members serve multiple capacities, whether by building sets, making costumes or working on publicity, ticket sales or marketing. For the members of Duchy Opera, every production is a labour of love, excitement and fulfillment. |
