Our Approach
If Opera was launched in 2022, building on over 27 years of acclaimed opera performances, young artist development and community engagement established through its predecessor, Iford Arts. If Opera’s launch marked a renewed artistic vision guided by four core principles:
• delivering a rich and diverse program of opera and associated music for all ages
• championing the repertory ensemble model
• supporting emerging and re-emerging artists
• deepening our impact in schools and the wider community
We strive to nurture artists at the early stage of their careers. We offer fair pay and stable employment and the opportunity for artists to perform varied roles within a repertory company. This model supports the well-being of our singers while enabling us to bring high-quality, accessible opera to new audiences through distinctive venues, thrilling performances and deepening our impact in schools and the wider community.
Each year, If Opera enjoys the fruits of a giant collaboration of its small executive team, 100+ volunteers and around 3,000 audience members, together with financial support from 150 Presidents, Syndicate Members, Patrons and Friends. This combined enterprise enables us to engage and promote around 100 artists each year, comprising of singers, directors, conductors, musicians, designers, technical staff, stage managers, crew and cast, mostly at an early stage in their career.
It’s a sustainable business model, designed to support employment, opportunity and creativity.
Our Impact
Everything we do at is about celebrating great music in extraordinary places. Since our inception in 1996, we have presented 100 opera productions; over 500 performances; 86 picnic proms and other concerts.
We have welcomed over 45,000 audience members to opera performances and 17,000 for proms and concerts. We have nurtured over 140 emerging artists since our programme started in 2010. Since the same year, we have worked with 30 local schools and over 1,400 children, working with some of the most disadvantaged children in our local community.
Our Vision - A New Era of Opera
Our vision is to be the West of England’s leading professional opera company, recognised nationally and internationally for the quality, character, and intimacy of our productions.
To champion the repertory ensemble model, which provides stable employment, fair pay and continuous opportunities for the creative development of emerging artists.
To further our commitment to inspiring young people and engaging the community by promoting the appreciation of performing and visual arts through accessible learning programmes and outreach initiatives.
“I was thrilled to debut the challenging and iconic role of Lucia di Lammermoor in 2024 with a company that already knew me well and prioritises artist development. This allowed me the creative freedom to discover Lucia during the production process - the perfect way to get to know her!
As a former young artist with If Opera, I know that opportunities for young artists to transition from education to major roles are essential and hard to come by. If Opera is crucial in providing this support for UK-trained singers.”