IfOpera | InBathApr24

Bringing opera into the modern age

Recently dubbed an ‘opera disrupter’ by the Telegraph, this young company is ditching the perception of opera as the preserve of the wealthy elite and bringing it into the modern age. Formerly known as Iford Arts, it’s developing a new way of working with artists to create musical experiences that are more accessible and relevant to modern audiences. Not only opera, but concerts, family shows and jazz will be performed at Belcombe Court and Holy Trinity in the historic market town of Bradford on Avon. If Opera is all set to become the West’s leading opera company.

Co-founder of Opera Holland Park and now Chief Executive at If Opera, Michael Volpe explains;

“If Opera is all about improving the way opera works, so that more people can enjoy it. Normalising an art form that persists in the national psyche as something rare and impenetrable - that means changing the way we do things, from the roots up.”

If Opera engages an ensemble of artists for a whole season at a time and they are paid weekly as opposed to the industry norm of only paying at the end of a run. This means artists are able to perform a variety of roles during the season with the security of a regular income. This is great for audiences - they can see their favourite performers in a variety of roles and benefit from the development of a tight knit ensemble over the course of the season.

Much of the 2022 summer season will be performed in a purpose built, fully covered ‘saddlespan’ theatre set within the grounds of the stunning Belcombe Court. The space is flexible and can be opened up to allow greater air flow in response to COVID. Belcombe Court is a Grade 1 listed private home and is owned by film director Paul Weiland and his family and is rarely opened to the public, and with the addition of the If Opera bar, audiences can treat themselves not only to a pre-performance picnic in the grounds, but also a drink or two at the bar.

Supported by the orchestral talents of the Bristol Ensemble this season sees both heartbreak and humour in the form of Puccini’s exquisite La rondine alongside a comedy double bill charting the travails of marriage; Donizetti’s Rita, and Wolf-Ferrari’s Il segreto di Susanna (Susanna’s secret). Clare Teal brings her brand new show with The Clare Teal Seven to headline at the Picnic Prom, while families are warmly invited to join in with the interactive musical tale The Man in the Moon, brought to Belcombe Court in association with Charles Court Opera. The season culminates in a concert performance of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas at Holy Trinity in the heart of historic Bradford on Avon.

The world of theatre always finds a way to flourish after adversity and this season represents the first steps in a fresh journey for If Opera. The time for talking is at an end and now they are about to set free the If Opera talent to create a new history in the world of opera.

To book tickets for any of the If Opera performances visit ifopera.com or call the Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362