Blackheath Halls Community Opera

Blackheath Halls in south east London is an arts and community venue which runs a community engagement programme for people of all ages alongside its live events. An integral part of this programme is the annual Blackheath Halls Community Opera which brings together professionals, Trinity Laban students and amateurs of all ages including students with special needs.

In 2023 the Trust supported a production of Handel’s Semele, funding taster sessions in three local schools for 150 children, and a session for 50 adults at a local community centre. These taster sessions were integral to widening participation in the project by showing people what it’s like to be involved in rehearsing and performing an opera.  

In addition, additional music learning was offered to students who participated in the full production. These took place ahead of the first rehearsal so the students arrived at their first rehearsal feeling as prepared musically as other participants in the project.