ABOUT CLONTER OPERA

As part of Clonter Opera Theatre, the Clonter Farm Music Trust (CFMT) is committed to providing the highest quality training and performance opportunities for young singers. The mission is to 'bridge the gap' between conservatoire and professional work.

Each year Clonter Opera auditions hundreds of young singers at music colleges around the UK, and also holds auditions for singers who have recently embarked on professional careers. Most singers who take part in the opera studios are under 30 all tuition and accommodation is provided free of charge. When appropriate more established artists are also offered opportunities to develop more demanding roles.

Residential facilities and a staff of international experience ensure that singers, selected after comprehensive auditions, achieve maximum potential during the ‘opera studios’ and thereafter. Through the creation of Clonter Farm Music Trust (CFMT) a unique residential, touring and educational programme was developed and continues to grow.

The artistic policy is to select repertoire that is both suitable for young singers and also attractive to the general public. Tailored versions of whole operas allow singers to perform complete roles with orchestra.

Summer productions are taken on tour to London in the Autumn with performances at the Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music. This gives singers an extended period to 'get to know their roles', an invaluable opportunity for the singers to be seen by managements and press and is an essential part of the overall vision. The next tour is planned for 2013.

Clonter's unique Opera Prize, worth £2,000, is the only inter-conservatoire opera prize awarded in the United Kingdom. Singers are nominated by the heads of opera at the principal music colleges and then go forward to a competition at Clonter Opera Theatre, held at the beginning of each year.

Aims of Clonter Opera

Clonter Opera Theatre was founded in 1974 when Jeffery Lockett, the Artistic Director, invited the Abbey Opera Group to bring an evening of operatic excerpts to his farm in Cheshire. A barn full of straw bales was converted for the night into an auditorium, and the proceeds went to Cancer Relief. Since then Clonter Opera has become a permanent fixture, the straw tiered seating was removed and a building programme provided the fixed seating which can be seen today.

Through the creation of Clonter Farm Music Trust (CFMT) a unique residential, touring and educational programme was developed and continues to grow helping young singers.

CFMT is committed to providing the highest quality training and performance opportunities for singers who are usually at the beginning of their professional careers, although when appropriate more established artists are engaged. Residential facilities and a staff of exceptional calibre ensure that singers, selected after comprehensive auditions, achieve maximum potential during the ‘opera studios’ and thereafter. The mission is to ‘bridge the gap’ between conservatoire and professional work.

You can help Clonter Opera by becoming a Friend or Sponsor, you can also Sponsor a Singer or you may even wish to leave us a Legacy in your Will. Please contact the Box Office for more information on any of these opportunities.