THE Thurrock-based Thames Opera Company will present a production entitled Opera For All on Saturday, 20 April, at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon.

The concert is intended to break the stigma around opera and make it more accessible than ever before. 

Thames Opera Company's chorus is made up of 'ordinary' people, many of which had never seen or heard opera before, let alone sung it.

Open to all, the chorus is a non-auditioned community of singers, formed in 2020, who have already become part of the vibrant local arts scene.

Thames Opera Company was created in late 2020 by members of the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus (ROHTCC).

Founded in 2011, ROHTCC was a much-loved choir in Thurrock, renowned for its high standards, performing in such places as the Royal Opera House, Milton Court, Union Chapel, the Southbank Centre and other prestigious venues. Just like the chorus of the Thames Opera Company, It was drawn from a very diverse range of people from all walks of life, from complete novices to experienced performers.

In 2020 because of funding cuts caused by the Covid pandemic, the Royal Opera House withdrew their funding, and Thames Opera Company was born in its place. For this concert they will be performing alongside some of the best singers in the country. 

Renowned Baritone Roderick Williams, a soloist at the Coronation of King Charles III and more recently seen on Gareth Malone's Easter Passion on the BBC, will be singing alongside international stars of opera, Luis Gomez, Anita Watson, and Nancy Holt. You will also be introduced to opera star of the future, Blaize O'Callaghan.

The evening will be hosted by BBC Radio 3's Ian Skelly, who will guide the audience through some of opera's most iconic music, performed in a relaxed, but dynamic staging.

Tickets can be booked via this link: https://towngatetheatre.co.uk/thames-opera-for-all/