News & Views

Company Spotlight: Oxford Opera

Audition Oracle – Mon 24 Mar 2025 @ 13:43

This week, Oxford Opera opens its production of Tosca at the Oxford Playhouse. Artistic Director Stuart Pendred shares his journey and the inspiration behind founding the company.

 
 
Image has a gold and deep navy blue background. In the centre is a woman with dark hair and red lipstick. Samoan soprano, Marlena Devoe is playing the title role in Oxford Opera's Tosca
 

1. How do you describe Oxford Opera?

I founded Oxford Opera to provide the people of Oxfordshire an Opera Company that they could recognise and proudly regard as ’their own’. To be a company that is a key part of the cultural fabric of the city delivering truly top class productions with some of the best UK based professional artists available whilst also providing access and opportunity to the young people of the County through our Education and Outreach programmes and the Oxford Opera Youth Company.  

World class opera, with the people at its heart.
 

2. What is the ethos of Oxford Opera?

Excellence; accessibility and opportunity. 

Excellence. Within every aspect of the Company. 

In its performance standards. 
In its attitude towards the artists and creatives who join us. 
In its attitude towards the audience and anyone who comes into contact with us as a company. Respect is key. 

In my own career I have been fortunate to have worked with some incredible singers - professionals who are working at the very top level of the profession both here and abroad. Bringing that standard of performance to the people of Oxford and beyond is a core value of Oxford Opera. 

Accessibility and Opportunity: 

I don’t care where you come from, your social status or your educational background, I want everybody to be able to access and experience this unique art form. I come from a background that completely lacked any exposure, let alone accessibility or opportunity in Opera. As a father I see the demise of classical music education in many, mainly state schools, and it angers and saddens me. Oxford Opera is, in its own way, trying to counter that demise and break down the lazy optic that opera is an elite art form only available to and for a certain part of society. Frankly, that’s utter BS!  

We work incredibly hard through our Education, Outreach and newly launched Oxford Opera Youth Company to bring opera to everyone. This year alone we have already delivered workshops both in and out of school and through the Youth Company to nearly 1000 of Oxfordshires young people.  

“Pendred is on a mission to bring top quality professional opera to Oxford while engaging closely with the local community, putting on productions that are accessible both to regular opera-goers and those who may be discovering it for the first time. This latest production ticks all those boxes.” 

Oxford Times - La Bohème. 
 

3. What has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for Oxford Opera?

As a young company every production is hugely memorable for different reasons, but I think seeing a company of nearly 150 people on the stage of the Oxford Playhouse Theatre including so many young people, at the end of our first ever fully staged production of Bizet’s Carmen has to be one of the best. The Magic Flute - our first production post the devastating impact of Covid. We nearly ceased to exist. Through the incredible generosity of someone we not only survived, but are in a healthier position than we’ve ever been before. 

Seeing the vision that I had for Oxford Opera become not just a reality but to continue to grow beyond that original vision. 

Having the support, insight and wisdom of our incredible Patrons Susan Bullock CBE and Richard Berkeley-Steele alongside our wonderful Ambassador Rachel Nicholls.

The fact that we have only just started as a company, but we have already welcomed such incredible professionals into our company.  

Lee Bisset (ROH) Huw Montague-Rendall (ROH); Philip Rhodes (ROH, WNO, Opera North); Sam Furness (ROH); John Savournin (ENO, Opera North); Mike Bracegirdle (ROH, ENO, WHO) ; Eddie Wade (ROH, WNO, Opera North); Felix Kemp (ROH & WNO); Dawid Kimberg (ROH) 

Whilst also being a company that creates opportunities for younger singers just starting out on their careers, or in a position where their repertoire is changing and they are working on new, perhaps larger roles/repertoire. 

For example; Marlena Devoe is making her role debut as Tosca with us following her wonderful performances of Mimi and Pamina in our Bohème and Flute respectively. Sam Furness is making his role debut as Cavaradossi. Anna Sideris made her role debut as Violetta. Mark Christian-Bautista made his role debut as Alfredo. Felix Kemp his role debut as Papageno.
 

4. What dream project would you most like to achieve in future?

We have a number of projects that my team and I are looking at and planning. We have a 5 year creative schedule in terms of productions, commissions and collaborations. 

To give you a couple of tasters though: 

1) The Oxford Ring.

2) Oxford Opera Company commissioned Children’s Opera.  
 

5. What do you like most about Oxford Opera?

So many things. The integrity and passion of the people that I get to work with on a daily basis; the friends and supporters of the Company who share and support the vision and help drive it forwards; a great Board of Trustees; the faces of the children and young people when they first encounter/hear an operatic voice in full-flow; the opportunities that we are creating for them to engage with this incredible art form and the benefits that we know engagement with the arts bring ; the chance to be a real part of the cultural fabric of Oxford, Oxfordshire and beyond; working with some astonishing creatives - not just the singers - the ’company’. The teamwork and collective energy that is needed to create art is life-affirming. The opportunity to make genuinely positive differences in the lives of everyone who encounters Oxford Opera.
 

6. Three things you wish you had known before setting up an opera company?

None - I wouldn’t have done it otherwise! …:))

Seriously, after my move to Oxford, it was a gut instinct that I followed. Has it been easy, no. Is it one of my proudest achievements - absolutely. Second only to becoming a father. Oxford Opera is my ‘other' child.  
 

7. Share three words that are the pillars you shape your company by. At Audition Oracle, ours are Curiosity, Craft and Community.

Excellence; Opportunity & Accessibility 
 

8. Do you have any performances coming up that you'd love us to shout about?


TOSCA - 28th and 29th March at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre.

Starring Marlena Devoe as Tosca; Sam Furness as Cavaradossi and Philip Rhodes as Scarpia. 

In a new English translation by Christopher Cowell the company is joined by the Oxford Opera Orchestra under the baton of Music Director John Warner and also features a Youth Chorus made up of 39 young people from 10 Oxfordshire Schools.

Tickets are available from www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Getting the best from a headshot session - Julian Guidera

Audition Oracle – Mon 27 Jan 2025 @ 11:54

We asked Julian Guidera, experienced opera headshot photographer, for his tips on getting the most out of a headshot session.

Julian Guidera showing a young singer the images on his camera that he has just taken. Backdrop of black with large white circle top right

Plan: 

Put together a mood board of inspiring headshots and try to define what you like about them, so your photographer can share your vision.

 

Visualise: 

How will your images be seen & used? Concert programmes, Instagram stories & website homepages tend to be seen by different audiences. Do you need to leave negative space for text overlay, or to fill the frame? 

 

Chat: 

Talk to your photographer in advance - to make a connection, discuss ideas & plan out the shoot. This will help you relax & enjoy the session.

 

Practice:

Rehearse some key poses in a mirror or with a friend. Having more regular, shorter headshot sessions can help develop your confidence in front of a camera.

 

Wear:

Your usual audition outfit is a good starting point. Aim for comfortable & flattering clothing that looks right in the photo location, with colour schemes & fabrics to complement your skin tone & hair. Bring any relevant accessories to allow for more variety of images & show your artistic personality.

 

Prepare: 

Treat it like a mini-performance. Rest well the night before, do any personal grooming & iron clothes if necessary, so you look & feel your best.

 

Bring:

The more creative ideas you can bring to the shoot, the better! Have an open mind about playing with range of looks & moods.

 

Julian has kindly donated 2 x free headshot studio sessions (worth £120) to our Singers’ Preparation Award 2025.

These sessions will take place in Julian’s new studio at the 1901 Arts Club.

Log in or register your free account to Submit your application here.

Dark blue Back ground with gold edge inlay. Basic details about 2x headshot sessions Julian Guidera has donated to Audition Oracle for the Singers' Preparation award 2025

Julian says:

“When I was a student at RSAMD (RCS) there weren't many photographers on the scene, and I went through my whole BMus with a single, out-of-date headshot. I'd like to provide student musicians & emerging artists with access to affordable professional headshots in a relaxed setting & convenient location: my artist portrait studio opens in January 2025 at the 1901 Arts Club in central London.” 

Julian is a London-based photographer working in opera productions & rehearsals, concerts, natural light & studio portraits, and education & outreach projects. He trained as a baritone and sang in operas & choirs before moving into photography in 2018. He takes headshots of singers, instrumentalists & other creative professionals, and has worked with companies including WNO, Garsington, ETO, Dorset Opera, Oxford Lieder, NOS & Aurora Orchestra.

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Sharon Kempton: 5 Steps to Boost your Career

Audition Oracle – Thu 23 Jan 2025 @ 14:00

Performance Success Coach and freelance opera singer Sharon Kempton and has generously offered one 60 minute Transformational Success Coaching session as part of our Singers’ Preparation Award 2025. 

 
Transformational Mindset Coaching with Sharon Kempton

Today Sharon is sharing 5-steps to help you find clarity and create a career that you want:

Feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps? Here's your 5-step guide to gaining clarity and unlocking your full potential!
 

1. Define Your Unique Voice:

What makes you stand out as an artist? Remember that you are divinely unique - that is your competitive advantage.
Reflect on your vocal strengths, repertoire, and personal brand.
 

2. Set Clear Goals:

Where do you see yourself in the next 1, 5, and 10 years?
Write down specific goals like "debut in [role]" or "work with [company]."
 

3. Identify Your Network:

Who can help you achieve your goals? You need a team!
Connect with coaches, directors, and mentors who believe in your talent.
 

4. Create a Plan:

Break down your goals into actionable steps.
Schedule auditions, seek new opportunities, and focus on your growth areas.
 

5. Invest in Yourself:

Training, branding, and mental wellness are key!
Take care of your voice and your mindset.
 

Your Action Step Today:

Write down ONE thing you're going to do this week to move forward. Share it below to inspire others!
Remember: The opera world needs your unique artistry—don't let doubt hold you back.
 

APPLY NOW for a free Transformational Mindset Coaching with Sharon, and find out how to reach your true potential.

 

About Sharon Kempton


Sharon Kempton is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience as an opera singer, having performed more than 40 major operatic roles worldwide. Her extensive stage experience has honed her expertise in voice mastery, performance under pressure, resilience, and career longevity.

In addition to her illustrious singing career, Sharon is a certified mindset and performance coach. She empowers professionals across various fields—including the corporate sector and the arts—to enhance their presentation, influence, and communication skills with clarity and conviction. Her coaching approach is informed by her personal journey of overcoming performance anxiety, achieving success in international singing competitions, and balancing a demanding career as a single mother in Germany.
 
Picture of Sharon with her beaming smile and wearing large glasses with text about her career on a gold background

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Audition Oracle Testimonial: Nazan Fikret - Soprano

Audition Oracle – Thu 9 Jan 2025 @ 11:17

Nothing brings us more joy than hearing how Audition Oracle has helped our members with their career. Today, we’re delighted to share this fantastic review from the wonderful soprano Nazan Fikret.

Nazan Fikret Audition Oracle Review January 2025


“Audition Oracle has been such a useful resource over the years: it saves such a huge amount of time scouring the internet and collating potential opportunities.

In early years and before I had an agent, I looked for YAP production, chorus and cover contracts, as well as training opportunities and competitions across the globe. In recent years, I have returned to it largely in order to scour open opera auditions abroad (and occasionally, things I might not have been on my radar on home soil). I have not forgotten that it was where I found out about Opera På Skäret in Sweden. From the information I saw on AO, I secured an audition for their Zauberflöte, as Queen of the Night (production Summer 2019, with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra). I went on to get the role and it opened lots of doors for me.

In recent months, a call was put out for another Queen of the Night, in Poznań. Lots of kind souls reached out to bring my attention to the opportunity, but it was on AO that I was able to clearly see all the details, find a link to the source information and verify that it was worth applying for, before handing over to my brilliant agent. I auditioned in November and have just signed the contract!”

 

The reason we love this review is that it highlights everything we strive to offer at Audition Oracle:

A reliable, time-saving resource for opportunities at every stage of a singer’s career. The other thing we love is how gracious Nazan is to all the elements that come together to support her. This career is hard—it truly takes a village! It’s a joy to know we’ve played a part in her journey—from her early days to her recent successes on international stages.


If Audition Oracle has helped you in your career, we’d love to hear your story!

Drop us an email to hello@auditionoracle.com

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Member Spotlight: Myrianne Fleur - soprano

Audition Oracle – Wed 18 Dec 2024 @ 8:22

This weeks member spotlight warmly welcomes French soprano Myrianne Fleur

Myrianne Fleur - Soprano

1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?

Lyrical singer, soprano

 

2. What other skills or passions do you have that help shape you as an artist?

I'm a doctor in sports medicine: it helps me understand the body and the muscles and practice weight training and stretching.

 

3. What has been the most memorable and rewarding experience you have had as an artist?

Singing Rossini's Stabat Mater in Lisinski Hall in Zabreg with the National Choir and Orchestra of Croatia.

 

4. What role, company or performing situation would be a dream come true for you as an artist?

I am dreaming about singing on stage at the Opéra Bastille or the MET; my dream role would be either Leonore in Fidelio or Isabel in Lessons in Love and Violence (George Benjamin).

 

5. What do you like most about being a creative artist?

Creating emotions in people (colleagues and public), and developing my emotional skills also.

 

6. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Travel more to learn how to sing and try to enter the CNSMDP [Conservatoire de Paris], and if it works, take a break from my medical studies.

 

7. Three words that are the pillars you shape your career by:

Determination, Work and Emotion

 

 

 

Our featured Member Spotlight artists are picked by random draw from Audition Oracle members who have submitted their answers to our Member Spotlight interview questions. If you would like the chance to feature in a Member Spotlight, please submit your answers here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea8IrUeDbOx9jhVH0SYrAFoYKK1MOhmpmvrBa0sDKbrBzCeQ/viewform

 

 

 

If you are not already an Audition Oracle member, please register for a basic free account in order to be eligible.

 

 

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