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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

We are seeking support for a fully staged, professional production of Handel’s Imeneo, presented by Cambridge Handel Opera Company (CHOC).

CHOC has an outstanding track record in presenting historically-inspired opera to the highest of world-class standards. Led by acclaimed conductor Julian Perkins and featuring a hand-picked cast of acclaimed singers and musicians for each production, CHOC consistently gains excellent reviews for its work, such as for its recent production of Handel’s Tamerlano, which one reviewer noted was ‘as close to endless pleasure as it’s possible to get.’

However, CHOC also recognises the need to reach new audiences and participants for its work, both its own sustainability, but also that of the wider opera sector. Accordingly, this project will not only deliver the artistic excellence for which CHOC is renowned, but through partnering with schools and Cambridge Youth Opera it will empower young people, by placing them at the core of historically-inspired opera creation and performance.

Aimed especially at young people from underserved communities in Cambridge – one of the UK’s most unequal cities – the project addresses barriers to cultural participation and redefines opera as inclusive and relevant to a new generation.

This project nurtures talent and offers opportunities to top young professional musicians, creating vital freelance work for period performers and chances to collaborate with the next generation. Free workshops will explore all aspects of opera – composition, storytelling, stage management, lighting, sound, costume, make-up – together with a singing competition, masterclass, open rehearsals, and side-by-side orchestral experiences.

A newly-created Youth Board will lead with real creative ownership, while mentoring and hands-on training will offer deep, practical experience. Impact will be captured through creative outputs and reflections, inspiring future youth-led opera. Supported by the Continuo Foundation, CHOC’s Imeneo will be a model of inclusive, community-driven opera-making – rooted in artistic excellence and CHOC’s renowned performances, while inspiring new audiences and participants to see that opera is, and can be, for them.

Key information:

• Number of performances: 4 (all self-promotions)
• Location: Cambridge Buddhist Centre, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8DT
• Proposed project dates: March 2026
• Expected people:
- Audience of 750 people, comprising previous CHOC audiences (65%), plus socio-economically disadvantaged residents who are connected to the project participants (35%).
- Participants – 140 people aged 13-26, chosen from schools with socio-economic disadvantage (Chesterton Community College, Hills Road Sixth Form College).

Our production won’t be streamed, but we will document the project through visual/audio output, curated by our project participants. We would be proud to credit the Continuo Foundation’s support for our groundbreaking project.