Opera South is a professional company run entirely by volunteers and funded by donations.

Established in 1984, Opera Omnibus, which trades as Opera South, is a registered charity and limited company, having no share capital. The charity is a community focused organisation which seeks to make high quality opera performances available to people of all ages and social backgrounds. It aims to broaden appreciation of opera and music and provides opportunities for training and participation, in association with professional singers and directors.

Why the community needs this charity

Opera South, a registered charity based in Surrey, has proved over the past 27 years that singing can change lives for the better. "Everyone should sing. Everyone certainly can sing - there is almost no one who cannot learn to sing in tune. And the joy of singing in itself, or in a choir, is one of the best consolations I can think of for life's sadnesses." Minette Marrin, Sunday Times. Music gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind and life to everything. Plato

Results and outcomes

" All the performances we have attended so far have been a wonderful experience for the children. It gives them an enriching opportunity which we could never provide within a school environment: a professional theatrical and musical experience with which to fire their imaginations. Please keep them going." Primary school teacher's comment concerning our teaching performance. Singers given an opportunity to sing with Opera South have gone on to star in major opera companies.

Latest activities and projects

Teaching performance

This is a shortened performance of the opera, giving professional understudies the opportunity to play the leading roles. The Director explains the story of the opera throughout and the Music Director rehearses the children in the chorus they will sing at the finale. Each child - and other members of the audience - receive a programme which includes the words of the chorus. Volunteers are on hand to look after all participants, including wheelchair users, the blind and disabled. read more