From the Producer's Office

Ahead of Opera Holland Park's upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, James Clutton sits down with the Will Todd (Composer) and David Simpatico (Librettist), Ceci Calf (Designer) and Martin Duncan (Director) in the rehearsal room. At Sinfonia Smith Square, Will Todd and David Simpatico's enchanting musical retelling of A Christmas Carol weaves the melodies of traditional Victorian carols and the midwinter chimes of handbells through each episode of Charles Dickens's seasonal ghost story. A Christmas Carol will run from 17-18 December at Sinfonia Smith Square in London, and on 16 December at Holy Trinity Church. operahollandpark.com/productions/a-…ristmas-carol/

In this episode, James Clutton chats with Elizabeth Karani and Anthony Gregory who play the roles of Acis and Galatea in Opera Holland Park's 2024 production.

James Clutton sits down with soprano Alison Langer to talk about starting her career in Opera Holland Park Young Artists scheme, the roles she's performed with the company and her upcoming role as Nedda in Pagliacci ahead of its opening night.

Ahead of its revival at Opera Holland Park in a double bill paired with Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, James Clutton chats with Richard Burkhard, Clare Presland and John Andrews about Il segreto di Susanna.

James Clutton chats with the cast of Stephen Barlow's Tosca on its final night at Opera Holland Park.

Join James Clutton for the day on our annual Envoy Reception! He chats to our Development team about upcoming plans, meets some of our most loyal supporters and hears from some of our musicians. Have a listen to find out more about the world of membership at OHP and what it's like to be part of the OHP family.

In this episode, James Clutton and Education and Outreach Manager Isabella Farrell reflect on OHP's Christmas Extravaganza. Having visited care homes, hospital wards and community groups across Kensington, James also chats to residents at The Royal Hospital and members of our new intergenerational choir.

James Clutton catches up with the team after the emotional and exciting studio run of Itch to hear their thoughts

In today's episode, James Clutton speaks to Charlotte Badham and Laura Lolita Perešivana who are playing the title roles in Opera Holland Park's 2023 production of Engelbert Humperdinck's 1893 Hansel and Gretel. They discuss the joys and challenges of freshly tackling such well loved characters.

In today's episode, James Clutton (whilst possibly breaking into a house in Mayfair) has an extended conversation with Wasfi Kani, the founder of Grange Park Opera. James delves into Wasfi's life and career, from her first interactions with classical music to her leadership style, and both discuss their role in the world of opera and opera's role in the current world.

Today James Clutton speaks to the cast, Composer, Librettist, Associate Director and producers of Itch, Opera Holland Park's new opera by Jonathan Dove, after the team have heard it played through for the first time.

In this extended episode, James Clutton speaks to Paul Carey Jones, an OHP veteran, about Paul's journey into opera and the of value theatre and live performance, and they both consider the future of what opera is and where and how it will exist in uncertain times ahead. Buy his book, Giving it away, here: https://www.paulcareyjones.net/buy

Today, James Clutton speaks to the cast and director of Little Women after an exciting and emotional studio run. On the warmest day of the year in England, Charlotte Badham, Kitty Whately, Lizzie Karani, Harriet Eyley and Ella Marchment talk to James about the buzz of the studio run, the journey the team has been on, and the excitement of getting the show on stage.

In today's episode, James Clutton chats to the cast and associate conductor of Carmen during their Sitzprobe. It's many of the team's favourite day of the production, and there is a real buzz in the auditorium, so tune in to hear about how they are getting on and the excitement in the build up to the opening.

In today's podcast, James Clutton, CEO and Director of Opera at Opera Holland Park, talks to various members of the cast, crew and creative teams after the end of the Studio Run of Eugene Onegin. The Studio Run is the first time the team runs the full opera, and, as you can hear in the episode, there is a really exciting atmosphere in the room. Guests in order of appearance: Tom Atkins - Lensky Jo Meredith - Choreographer Samual Dale Johnson Anush Hovhannisyan - Tatyana Megan Bly - Deputy Stage Manager Julia Burbach - Director Lada Valešová - Conductor

In today's episode of From the Producer's Office, James Clutton speaks to librettist Alasdair Middleton about working on Opera Holland Park's new commission for 2023, 'Itch'. They discuss the value of the continued working relationship between Alasdair and composer Jonathon Dove, as well as his path to becoming a librettist and the process of creating and developing meaningful libretto. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, our CEO and Director of Opera James Cluttion speaks to some of our artists and directors involved in the Opera Holland Park 2022 Season. We hear from Thomas Atkins, Kezia Bienek, Ella Marchment, Themba Mvula and Anne Sophie Duprels about their upcoming productions. They chat about the excitement of being reunited with their OHP family, the pressures of singing iconic roles, and why it's so important to have a woman direct Carmen in 2022. Catch our interviewees in the following productions this Summer: Thomas Atkins – Lensky, Eugene Onegin Kezia Bienek – Carmen, Carmen Ella Marchment – Director, Little Women Themba Mvula – Le Dancaïre, Carmen and Boatswain, HMS Pinafore Anne Sophie Duprels – Margot, Margot la Rouge and Anna, Le Villi From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode of From the Producer's Office, James Clutton is joined by composer Jonathan Dove and broadcaster and bestselling author Simon Mayo to announce a new commission for 2023, the world premiere of an opera for young adults and families, Itch. The opera will be based on Simon Mayo's bestselling novels Itch and Itch Rocks, described as 'Breaking Bad for kids' by NPR in America. Itch explores the real life magic of the elements through an explosive adventure story that sees the young hero trying to outrun a vindictive teacher, a global corporation and a shadowy government agency in his quest to save the world. Simon, Jonathan, and James discuss how the commission came about, talk about the novel's plot and the inspirations behind it, and draw parallels between Itch and some other operas listeners might be familiar with. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode of From the Producer's Office, we're joined by the March sisters from our upcoming production of Little Women – Charlotte Badham (Jo), Kitty Whately (Meg), Harriet Eyley (Beth) and Elizabeth Karani (Amy). They talk about their relationships with Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, discuss the many previous adaptations of the book, and talk about introducing audiences to new contemporary repertoire they might not have heard before. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode of From the Producer's Office, our CEO and Director of Opera James Clutton is joined by long time friend of Opera Holland Park, director Martin Lloyd Evans. The two talk about Martin's long relationship with the company, reminiscing about productions including La Wally and The Queen of Spades, and Martin discusses the relationship between a director and an audience, and how that changes when staging the sort of rare work he often directs at OHP. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

With our digital screenings of William Walton's The Bear now in full swing, OHP's CEO and Director of Opera James Clutton caught up with cast and creative team members Clare Presland, John Andrews and John Wilkie to talk about the process of creating the film, the unique skill of performing for the screen rather than the stage, and why they wanted to use the film to recreate the experience of watching a live show. On 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 November at 7.30pm, and on 12 and 13 November at 1pm, we'll be holding online screenings of our new film of William Walton's The Bear. Pre-booking is essential, and you can find all the details here: operahollandpark.com/online/the-bear/ From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Mark Adamo's opera Little Women will be making its UK premiere during the OHP 2022 Season. This week Mark joins the podcast to talk about how he became a composer and librettist, the process of adapting this beloved novel into opera form, Little Women's original premiere starring a young Joyce DiDonato, and the early preparations for the UK premiere this summer. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

This week, Opera Holland Park's CEO and Director of Opera James Clutton is joined by George Jackson (conductor of this summer's The Marriage of Figaro) and his father, actor Philip Jackson. They talk about rehearsing, the social nature of music making, the new OHP auditorium, and how they both ended up establishing careers in the arts. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, James Clutton is joined by members of the cast of The Pirates of Penzance, our co-production with Charles Court Opera. Richard Burkhard (Major-General Stanley) talks about his acting background and how he combines acting with singing, Daisy Brown (Mabel) discusses how she takes care of her voice when she's performing every day, and John Savournin (Pirate King and director) talks about the inspiration behind the production. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, James is joined by several of the artists and creatives who are working on the latest editions to our 2021 Season. Anna Patalong and Sonia Ben Santamaria talk about Canteloube's Chants d'Auvergne, and how OHP is a fitting venue for this song cycle themed around returning to nature. Charne Rochford discusses the birth of Fifth Door Ensemble as they prepare for an intimate chamber version of Gustav Mahler's late masterpiece Das Lied von der Erde. Dominic Ellis-Peckham and Tara Mack look towards the London Oriana Choir taking the stage for an exciting evening featuring two world premières. The episode concludes with an appearance by our Count Almaviva in our latest production of The Marriage of Figaro, Julien Van Mellaerts, who has curated and is featured in our upcoming recital series, Opera in Song. Tickets for the Opera Holland Park 2021 Season are on sale now. Find out more about our productions and book here: bit.ly/2KCxmX1 From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Jennifer France and Julia Sporsén (The Vixen and The Fox in our upcoming production of The Cunning Little Vixen) join the podcast to talk about their history with Janáček's work, the excitement of performing in front of a live audience again, and the story of how this particular production came about. Tickets for The Cunning Little Vixen are on sale now. Find out more about the production and book here: bit.ly/37vluhP From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park's Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

This episode we're joined by Stephen Barlow, who'll be directing The Cunning Little Vixen during the OHP 2021 Season. He talks about the difference between Vixen and the other Janacek operas staged at OHP over the years, looks back on how he began his career in the arts, and reminisces about his long history with OHP. Tickets for The Cunning Little Vixen are on sale now. Find out more about the production and book here: https://bit.ly/37vluhP From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, James is joined by several of the artists and creatives who are working on our 2021 Season. Ross Ramgobin talks about the pressure of playing the title role in The Marriage of Figaro, Lauren Fagan shares her favourite scenes from La traviata, Jennifer France and Stephen Barlow discuss why OHP's production of The Cunning Little Vixen will be performed in English, Julia Burbach explain why uplifting shows like L'amico Fritz are so important at the moment, and John Savournin discusses the enduring popularity of Gilbert and Sullivan shows like The Pirates of Penzance. Tickets for the Opera Holland Park 2021 Season are on sale now. Find out more about our productions and book here: https://bit.ly/2KCxmX1 From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Leading British tenor David Butt Philip and acclaimed pianist James Baillieu join the podcast to discuss their recorded performance of The House of Life for OHP, which will be released to the public on demand on 13 April 2021. They talk about rehearsing during the pandemic, how much they've missed watching live performances, and what it's like being filmed while performing. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

This episode we're joined by four of this year's Opera Holland Park Young Artists, who will be performing in their own production of The Marriage of Figaro this summer. Siân Dicker (Countess Almaviva), Charlotte Bowden (Susanna), Charlotte Badham (Cherubino) and Guy Withers (Basilio/Don Curzio) discuss their roles, the audition process, their training and their excitement for singing together this summer. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, we're joined by mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, who talks about breaking down the perceived barriers between classical music and other genres, the complexities of supporting singers to give their best every performance, her love of rehearsing, and the poetry of song. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

This episode, we're joined by soprano Lauren Fagan. She talks about taking the leap into opera at 24 and moving halfway across the world, her rapid learning curve first at Guildhall then through the Jette Parker scheme at the Royal Opera House, and her experiences singing the role of Violetta at Opera Holland Park. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Professor Lynne Dawson, Head of Vocal Studies and Opera, and soprano and 4th year undergraduate Charlotte Kennedy join the podcast this week to talk about how they and their fellow teachers and students at Royal Northern College of Music have been coping during the pandemic. They discuss online learning and vocal coaching, the challenges of practicing at home, and the importance of resilience. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, James is joined by lawyer and classical music lover Ian Rosenblatt. They discuss Ian's foundational memories of music, including his father listening to La traviata at 5am before work each day; his illustrious law career; and the series of classical music and opera recitals he curated – the Rosenblatt Recitals. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

This week's guest is soprano Nadine Benjamin, who talks about her route from corporate finance into singing and the mentors who've guided her along the way. She also shares some coaching insights, and tells us about her many projects from Everybody Can Opera Company through to her daily series of interviews during lockdown. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Australian heldentenor Stuart Skelton joins the podcast to talk about his early introduction to opera, how he's made important decisions within his career, and how he brings the audience with him through some of the most dramatic stories in opera. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, joins the podcast to talk about her rocky early introduction to ballet, her love of ballet classes, the value of touring for young dancers, and the responsibility she feels to help the arts flourish again after the pandemic. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Four former Opera Holland Park Young Artists join the podcast to talk about their experiences with the programme, and to look forward to their roles in the OHP 2021 Season production of The Marriage of Figaro. This episode features Director Oliver Platt, Conductor George Jackson, and sopranos Elizabeth Karani and Claire Lees as they share insights into their early career appearances at Opera Holland Park and discuss musical life in lockdown. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, James is joined by conductor and Music Director of Scottish Opera, Stuart Stratford. Together they reminisce about the many productions they've worked on at Opera Holland Park over the years, and share their experiences of getting performances on during the pandemic. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Writer Rupert Christiansen joins the podcast this week for a candid and far-ranging conversation with OHP's CEO and Director of Opera James Clutton. Rupert explains his decision to retire from The Telegraph, his approach to opera criticism over the years, and what's next. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Today we're joined by Ali Kingsley from Refettorio Felix homeless centre, to talk about our annual collection. Ali tells us about the work of the Refettorio, the impact it has on the community, and the items they're most in need of that people might not think to donate. More information about how to donate urgently needed items to the Opera Holland Park collection can be found here: https://operahollandpark.com/RF From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Singer Janie Dee and music director Alex Parker from Quick Fantastic join the podcast to reminisce about their performance of A Little Night Music at OHP in the summer. Janie shares acting tips from Sondheim, Alex discusses the secret of orchestrating for a small band, and they both talk about the crossover between Sondheim and opera. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Sir Mark Elder joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from the beginnings of his career organising concerts for undergraduate musicians, through to his time at ENO and Hallé Orchestra. He offers insights into the relationship between conductor and orchestra, shares his philosophy about how orchestras and theatres should relate to their community, and talks about the challenges and small joys of lockdown. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Director Rachael Hewer and conductor Lee Reynolds of Vopera – the Virtual Opera Project – join the show to talk about their upcoming production of Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges. They discuss the challenging process of creating the production, from rehearsals to recording to post-production, which has all been done virtually. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Broadcaster, novelist and opera lover Penny Smith joins the podcast this week. She talks about her early trips to the ballet, her memories of her first trip to the opera, and her appreciation for what performers do. She also tells us why she stopped working as an arts critic, and answers some quick fire opera questions. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, Isabella Pitman, founder of the National Student Opera Society, joins the podcast to talk about why she founded the society, the joy of sharing love and enthusiasm for opera, and the society's long-term goal of obtaining charity status. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

This week's guest is Edward Gardner, Chief Conductor of Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. He offers some advice to young conductors, talks about the education of conducting opera on tour, discusses the shared responsibility between audiences and the arts industry of getting cultural life back on track, and shares the operas he'd most love to conduct. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode, James is joined by Tenor Ben Johnson for an in depth look at everything from auditions and training to mental health in the singing profession. They also discuss the Southrepps Classical Music Festival, which Ben co-founded in 2010, and how it's responded to this year's pandemic. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode of From the Producer's Office, James is joined by Elin Pritchard, John Andrews and Christopher Luscombe, to talk about new opera company Let Us Make Noise and their upcoming production of Leoncavello's Pagliacci. They discuss the challenges they've faced in mounting the performance, and tell us why Pagliacci is the perfect opera to put on right now. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

Singer, director, and photographer Andy Staples joins the podcast to talk about the One Voice Campaign and its goals – safely and sustainably re-opening the culture sector, and looking at ways to improve the economics of social distancing for venues. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.

In this episode James is joined by Managing Director of London's Barbican Centre, Sir Nicholas Kenyon. Together they discuss planning and producing live cultural events in the midst of the global pandemic and share anecdotes from some of the most challenging, and rewarding, moments of their careers. From the Producer's Office is a series of informal podcasts with Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, James Clutton. In conversation with creatives and collaborators across the industry, we explore the process of putting opera on stage, and how the artists involved approach their craft.