THE OXFORD OPERA COMPANY

The Oxford Opera Company is an ensemble of experienced singers formed in 2006. They have performed to great acclaim in Oxford at venues including Hertford College Chapel and St. John's College President's Lodgings, and at Blenheim Palace. Recent engagements include scenes from Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro at Hertford (24 November 2007), All Saint's Church, Headington (1 December 2007). In February 2008 the Company presented its first full-scale production, of Britten's The Turn of the Screw, at the North Wall Arts Centre and Hertford College Chapel, to critical acclaim. Recent and forthcoming projects include Figaro Act II with the Christ Church Festival Orchestra at the Sheldonian Theatre on Saturday 3 May (see below), and Così fan tutte at Birmingham Cathedral (30 May, 1.10pm) and Ditchley Park (4 July, in aid of PACE).

'What a treasure for us in Oxford to have an opera company this good.' Daily Information, 10 Feb 08

'Having a white-faced Peter Quint - the exceptional Canadian tenor Adam Tunnicliffe - oozing malevolence just inches away, or feeling the brush of Miss Jessel [Katherine Cooper]'s skirts as she runs, wild-eyed and crazy-haired, the length of the aisle, is a decidedly un-cosy experience. ... Sara Jonsson's rich-voiced, poised Governess completed the cast. Swedish-born Jonsson, who has a powerful stage presence, also directed, using simple devices and minimal props to clever effect.'
Fiona Maddocks, Opera, May 2008

'The Oxford Opera Company's arrival deserved to be announced from the rooftops. The ensemble acted out the mayhem of Act II [Figaro] with obvious relish, in a performance that was by turns touching, exuberant and impassioned. This is a Company worth catching - look out for their Così fan tutte later this summer.' Nicola Lisle, The Oxford Times, 9 May 08

PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS

MOZART, The Marriage of Figaro

Act II: Staged and in costume
The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford

Saturday 3 May 2008, 8pm

Concert in aid of The Friends of the Sunera Foundation of Sri Lanka, with the Christ Church Festival Orchestra conduced by James Ross.

For full details, including cast, CLICK HERE


Benjamin Britten, The Turn of the Screw 

supported by the Britten Pears Foundation

Fully staged production with orchestra:

'What a treasure for us in Oxford to have a local opera company this good.' Daily Information, 10 Feb 08

'What makes this production so effective is its subtle simplicity, and sensitive commitment to Britten's intentions. A disturbing, beautiful opera, beautifully and disturbingly conveyed.' Oxford Student, 6th Week Hilary Term 08

'A thoroughly professional production and performance.' Oxford Magazine, 2008

North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown, Oxford
Friday 8 February, 7.30pm
Sat 9 February, 7.30pm

Hertford College, Catte Street, Oxford
Friday 15 February, 8pm
Wednesday 20 February, 8pm 
Friday 22 February, 8pm

For booking information, production details, including performers and guest speakers  CLICK HERE.
For a synopsis and to learn more about Britten's opera, CLICK HERE.

General Inquiries
Email: sk_jonsson [at] hotmail.com
Telephone: 07714 112563