We are excited to announce that our Bedfordshire Youth Opera (BYO) 2026 production will be
Orpheus In The Underworld by Jacques Offenbach.
This is a comic opera based on the Greek myth about Orpheus and his wife Eurydice, and how he tries to free her from the Underworld. However, Offenbach’s version is a satirical take on the story, so not quite the sad tale you might expect. The music is energetic and fun, and you may even recognise one or two of the tunes, most famously the Infernal Galop, or Can-Can as it is better known. Our artistic director Fred Broom has written a new English translation for our use, which is funny and has a contemporary edge, suitable for a young modern audience as well as those of us who are slightly longer in the tooth!
Audition Workshop Weekend:
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March – 11am to 7pm at Parklea School, Kinross Crescent, Luton LU3 3JU
We are looking for young singers aged between 14 to 26 to join us for this exciting project. An ability to read music is a bonus but not essential.
The Audition Workshop Weekend is an excellent opportunity to meet our team and the other students and see how we work, and while we hope you will sign up for the full course there is no commitment at this stage.
The Saturday of the workshop will be lots of fun; it involves singing some of the music and chorus work, some staging, perhaps even dancing, as well as hearing about the artistic team’s vision for the show.
The more formal auditions take place on the Sunday, but as well as this, we are lucky this year to be joined by visiting workshop facilitator and Director of Oxford Opera, Stuart Pendred, who will be running an exciting workshop, as well as other activities when you are not auditioning.
Everyone will be given an opportunity to audition, even if you don’t want a principal role, as this allows our artistic team to get a feel for all of your voices. Auditions are done individually away from all the other students, and more information and guidance on what to sing for the audition will be sent by email to everyone who signs up for the weekend.
Main Summer Course and Performances:
The main course takes place in the summer and involves two weekends in July where we learn the music from the opera, and then three weeks of staging rehearsals in August culminating in four performances. The course runs seven days a week and once casting has been confirmed our director will put together a full rehearsal schedule to allow everyone some understanding of when they will be called. The course is a commitment and hard work, but offers amazing stage experience with a wonderful friendly and inclusive group.
The full cost of the summer course will be £360.
As part of the course, we also present an Opera Gala at St. Mary’s church in the middle of Luton as part of the Luton Music concert series to raise funds for the production. This year’s Gala will be on Monday the 17th of August. This is always a lovely evening of music.
Here are some comments from last year’s cast about the course to give you an idea of what students felt about their experiences:
Really fun. So inclusive, so lovely. Wonderful teaching, I learnt so much.
Camaraderie of the production team and cast are top notch.
Inspirational. Each rehearsal was joyful and exciting.
I made like-minded friends. The quality of singing and acting is amazing.
Great opportunities to take on responsibility assisting the production team.
The repertoire was challenging but extremely rewarding to perform.
A chance to work with incredibly talented and creative people. Value for money.
Summer Course Dates:
July 11th and 12th Principal music weekend, Parklea School, Luton.
July 18th and 19th Principal & Chorus music weekend, Venue tbc.
8th to 25th August staging rehearsals, Parklea School, Luton, then University of Bedford Theatre.
26th, 27th, 28th, 29th August performances, University of Bedford Theatre.
We really hope that we see you at the Audition Workshop Weekend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Vanessa, the BYO Course Manager, on opera@bedfordshiremusictrust.org.uk
