Principals
8–12
Distinct, playable roles that carry the story.
Before You Pitch
We're not looking for finished operas.
We're looking for great ideas and the people who want to develop them with us. When your proposal is ready, send it to us by email.
What to send
The materials we'll need.
- Composer and librettist names
- CVs
- Sample work (audio, video or PDF links)
- A short description of the opera
- A one- or two-page synopsis
- A full character list
- A short paragraph describing the intended musical language and style
Send your proposal
Email the commissioning team directly.
Attach the materials above, or share them as links. We read every proposal personally and will reply once we've had a chance to sit with your idea.
alastair@lyo.org.ukThe shape of an LYO opera
A companion to your creativity, not a constraint on it.
Most successful London Youth Opera commissions share a broad shape. Use it as orientation while you develop your idea.
Supporting roles
4–8
Room for character actors and rising soloists.
Chorus groups
4–6
Named ensembles with their own identity.
- A unique story with a clear theatrical world.
- Opportunities for ensemble storytelling throughout.
- Opening and closing scenes that use the full company.
Not ready yet?
Before writing to us, you may find these pages helpful.