RNCM Opera
The RNCM is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading training centres for opera.
Providing our most advanced singers with a concentrated period of study, RNCM Opera offers a level of training and performance experience comparable to that of specialist opera schools. Students receive the highest standard of tuition from our distinguished vocal tutors and coaches throughout the year and benefit from exceptional performance opportunities in our purpose-built theatre.
Conductors, coaches, and music staff from the UK’s leading opera companies, alongside prestigious visiting artists, guide singers in operatic repertoire and performance. Through this intensive training, students develop the skills and experience needed to perform principal roles in opera houses around the world.
Videos
Recent Productions
The RNCM presents two fully staged opera productions each year. Open to vocalists in all years, these take place in our purpose-built theatre and are produced by a guest creative team, ensuring students receive first-hand industry knowledge as you study.
Leoš Janáček
The Cunning Little Vixen | 2026
Creative team included:
Martin Pickard conductor
Harry Fehr director
Nicky Shaw set and costume designer
Mark Jonathan lighting designer
Kevin Thraves chorus director
Cast included:
Charlie Barker, David Bicarregui Forester
Clementine Thompson, Hannah Andrusier Sharpears, a vixen
Esther Shea, Ellie Forrester Goldenmane, a fox
Jay Broadhurst, Rafael Rojas Schoolmaster
Sergei Prokofiev
L’Amour des Trois Oranges | 2025
Creative team included:
Lee Reynolds conductor
Mark Burns director
Andrian Linford set and costume designer
Jack Wiltshire lighting designer
Sheldon Miller, Kevin Thraves chorus director
Cast included:
Jay Broadhurst, Rafael Rojas The Prince
Edward Wenborn, David Bicarregui Léandre
Ellie Forrester, Cerys MacAllister Fate Morgana
Sam Rose, Oscar Bowen-Hill Troufaldino
Jemima Gray, Ellena Hicks Princess Clarisse
Benjamin Britten
Owen Wingrave | 2025
Creative team included:
Rory Macdonald conductor
Orpha Phelan director
Madeleine Boyd designer
Matt Haskins lighting designer
Adam Haigh movement
Kevin Thraves chorus master
Cast included:
James Connolly, Alex Riddell Owen Wingrave
Ellie Forrester, Kirsty McNaughton Miss Wingrave
Oscar Bowen-Hill, Samuel Horton Sir Philip Wingrave
Kristen Gregory, Sam Rose Lechmere
William Jowett, Johannes Gerges Spencer Coyle
Emmanuel Chabrier
L’étoile | 2024
Creative team included:
Martin Pickard conductor
Mark Burns director
Adrian Linford designer
Jake Wiltshire lighting designer
Kevin Thraves chorus master
Cast included:
Jay Broadhurst, Kristen Gregory King Ouf
William Jowett, Christian Loizou Sirocco
Charlotte Baker, Kirsty McNaughton Princess Laoul
Edward Wenborn Zalzal/A Servant
Rosa Sparks, Hannah Andrusier Aloès
‘I've seen shows from major companies that didn't have a fraction of the invention, energy and wit of this L'amour des trois oranges.’
Additional Opportunities
Complementing our main opera productions, students can further develop their performance and music education practice through the RNCM Children’s Opera and RNCM Community Opera.
Both projects enable singers and instrumentalists to work with children, community participants, and professional creative teams, developing skills in communication, facilitation, and artistic leadership while gaining practical experience of creating opera that engages and inspires diverse audiences.
Join the Opera Circle
The RNCM Opera Circle helps us to deliver high-quality, professionally resourced productions that are essential for nurturing the next generation of opera stars.