What we do

Highbury Opera Theatre was created in 2011 by our Artistic Director, Scott Stroman and Assistant Music Director, Sarah Wilkinson, supported by a team of artists and local enthusiasts dedicated to staging contemporary operatic works in the local Highbury community. Our charity ethos is to bring together professional artists and community musicians to inspire and entertain local Islington audiences through the medium of opera. 

Highbury Opera Theatre is a registered charity and is managed by a team of trustees and a committee of musicians and arts specialists committed to promoting opera in the local community and increasing access to the arts. Since our inception, we've mounted eight operatic productions, bringing together a professional artistic team alongside nationally acclaimed operatic soloists and local amateur singers in our community chorus. We've had the privilege of working with internationally acclaimed artists, such as Tenor, Adrian Thompson and directors, Jean Lacornerie, and Johnny Ramster, and we pride ourselves in bringing on new artistic talent and creating career opportunities for those entering the arts as a profession.

At the heart of our work is the desire to engage new audiences and local children in opera, breaking down social and financial barriers for those who would not otherwise be exposed to the art-form. We offer free performances and opera workshops for local school children, working in partnership with local schools and lead by our artistic team and Youth Director, Rachel Maby. We also offer free professional development and performing opportunities to talented singers who audition for our community chorus. This has been made possible thanks to the generous financial support of national bodies, such as Arts Council and PRS Foundation, and local organisations and donors. If you would like to support our future productions and education work, please visit our Get in touch page.