WOF Learning
To open up opera and classical music, we offer a variety of free workshops and events during the Festival to bridge the gap between artist and audience, and encourage our audience’s creativity.
Come and Sing Events
For our audience members aged 10+, our popular Come and Sing workshops provide a fantastic up-close experience of opera. These free sessions are led by WOF’s Head of Music, Ashley Beauchamp, and principal singers from our headline productions.
"The Come and Sing was the most amazing fun and I thoroughly enjoyed being taught the two songs. We were also joined by two outstanding performers from the cast – I have never been so close to an opera singer before, it was an amazing experience.”
- WOF 2023 Come and Sing Participant
Family Workshops
For our younger audience members, we offer free workshops that complement our family productions and bring the stories to life through creative hands-on activities.
Our learning work also includes offering young singers, performers, and instrumentalists participation opportunities during our summer productions. During these activities, our participants explore new operatic and classical music, develop their skills in a supportive environment, gain first-hand experience of what it’s like to be part of a professional opera company, and receive invaluable mentoring for those around them.
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Young Artist Gala
Our free Young Artist Gala, performed and curated by participants on our Young Artist Programme, presents opera scenes in a relaxed and immersive setting. These bite-sized opera scenes offer audiences a fun and engaging opportunity to enjoy performances by our brilliant emerging artists.
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Pre-Show Talks
To open up the artform, our free Pre-Show Talks are panelled by members of our cast, creatives and producing team across the productions. These events act as an excellent opportunity for audience members to receive a behind-the-scenes experience, learn more about the artistic and creative process involved, meet some of our artistic and creative teams, and feel closer to the artform.
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Pre-Season Community Workshops
To introduce young families to classical music, we have delivered free taster workshops in community settings in the lead up to our Summer Festival. These workshops have taken place in libraries and partner schools.