Opera for All

Garsington Opera for All was an exciting three year project partnership between Garsington Opera, the charitable trust Magna Vitae, and the Coastal Communities Alliance, and was supported by Arts Council England's Strategic Touring Fund.

Although the original Opera for All project has now finished, the programme model remains transferable to other locations and we would be delighted to discuss opportunities with potential partners. For further information please contact Paul Grist, Learning & Participation Producer. 

With particular focus on isolated coastal communities, Garsington Opera for All worked in collaboration with local authorieis and cultural organisations across four main areas of the UK; Thanet (Kent), Grimsby, Skegness and Somerset. In these partnership areas the programme delivered free public screenings of live performances from Garsington Opera, alongside a wider programme of participatory learning sessions for schools and adult groups aiming to promote, develop and sustain cultural opportunity in each area. 

The programme also offered other interested non-coastal venues and festivals the opportunity to deliver their own opera screening and community event through an associate package. 

Opera for All and Looping the Loop Fesitval (Thanet) - 2016 Schools' Workshop:

"Residencies were faultless. The Garsington team has the ability to connect with people of all ages. The approach is youthful and spontaneous, making the work feel different and fresh even when the workshops follow a common format." Music Service Project Manager, Grimsby

"They made quick judgements on the student abilities and adapted work to suit their needs. The Key Stage 4 students will take their ideas and improved confidence to their performing arts course." Secondary teacher, Skegness

"Composition is not my strength and seeing it in action has really helped to stimulate other ideas that I have since done with my class." Primary teacher, Grimsby

"I really liked making up the songs for the opera. I also liked playing the games. Thank you." Year 4 student, Somerset

"I am in awe of the work you do and the way you handle the material so that it is fun and accessible and meaningful for the children. Lucky kids is all I can say." Vicky Banham, Sedgmoor District Council