Community and Professionals Share the Spotlight in Blackheath Halls Opera

Blackheath Halls Opera returns this summer with a powerful new production of Gluck’s Iphigenia in Tauris, continuing a 19-year tradition of blending local talent with professional excellence.

The production brings together over 100 performers from across the community, including amateur singers, musicians, and schoolchildren, performing alongside a cast of acclaimed professional opera artists. It’s a bold model that breaks down the traditional barriers of opera, making it more accessible and inclusive for audiences and participants alike.

At the heart of this year’s production is a new English translation by Martin Pickard, former Head of Music at Opera North. The fresh adaptation helps breathe new life into Gluck’s classic story of myth and redemption, making it easier for modern audiences to engage with the emotional and dramatic themes.

Leading the cast is soprano Francesca Chiejina as Iphigenia, returning to Blackheath Halls following her acclaimed role in last year’s Semele. She is joined by Dan Shelvey, Michael Lafferty, Dan D’Souza and Emily Williams, all supported by the Blackheath Halls Opera Chorus, Youth Company and Orchestra. Students from Greenvale School and Charlton Park Academy are also involved, reinforcing the project’s intergenerational and inclusive approach.

Backed by Arts Council England, and supported by Friends and Patrons of Blackheath Halls, the production is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community works together to create high-quality, ambitious work.

Whether you're a seasoned opera-goer or attending for the first time, Iphigenia in Tauris promises a moving and visually striking experience. It offers not only a reinterpretation of a timeless story, but also a celebration of local creativity, collaboration and shared passion for the arts.

Tue 23 Sep 7.30pm

Thu 25 Sep 7.30pm

Sat 27 Sep 3pm

Sun 28 Sep 3pm https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/blackheath-halls-opera-iphigenia-in-tauris/