Please help us raise funds to give our students, from the University of St Andrews, the exceptional opportunity to take part in a fully staged opera under the guidance of professional directors, being supported by a professional orchestra and to enjoy and experience the technical resources offered by performing at a venue like the Priory Church, Order of St John, London.

Byre Opera: Handel's Xerxes

Xerxes was premiered in 1738 at the culmination of Handel’s operatic career in London, and is perhaps his most successful comic opera. It offers opportunities for seven solo singers - these soloists are current undergraduate and postgraduate students (including Catherine Hooper, Teddy Day, and Peter Sutton - all of whom took leading roles in The Cunning Little Vixen, together with four singers new to the company and a small chorus).

The production will be directed by London-based Tania Holland Williams, who directed our highly acclaimed productions of Albert Herring and Turn of the Screw. She is currently in collaboration with the Scottish stage and costume designer Gregor Donnelly. The University’s Director of Music Michael Downes will conduct a nine-piece period-instrument orchestra led by the world-renowned Fitzwilliam String Quartet.

The production will be performed in three venues: The Byre Theatre, St Andrews on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June 2018; The Maltings Theatre, Berwick-upon-Tweed on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July 2018 and, London on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 July 2018, having secured availability at the beautiful and prestigious venue in Clerkenwell - the Priory Church of the Order of St John.

Why Support our project?

These performances will represent the first time Byre Opera has performed in London, raising the ambitions of St Andrews student opera, presenting new challenges for performers and creating a collaborative, bonding experience for those involved.

The performances will offer the chance for students to test themselves in a new, higher profile performance environment, with audiences whose expectations may be different to those they are used to.  The opportunities for Byre Opera to perform in London will add to the attractiveness of the musical student experience for prospective students with an interest in vocal music and this is something we are keen to develop.

The performances will promote the excellent work of Byre Opera to a large audience in London, helping to increase appreciation and understanding of musical ambitions at the University of St Andrews.

Rewards for your support!

• Reward 1: £10 - Hand written thank you postcard

• Reward 2: £25 - Complimentary ticket to the exclusive opening or final night reception

• Reward 3: £60 – Reward 2 + Choir CD

• Reward 4: £250 -  Reward 3 + a chance to meet the creative team post opera

• Reward 5: £1000 (prior to the performance) – Named credits on the programme together with a complimentary ticket to the exclusive opening or final night reception

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