National Opera Studio

20/06/2026

How we think and feel about ourselves and our art directly impacts our performance capability.

In this reel, Ed Lyon explains the importance of mental health therapy as self understanding gives us choice and the ability to respond consciously to new situations and move through our careers and lives with greater freedom.

18/06/2026

Toi toi toi to the five NOS alums performing in Dvořák Rusalka alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Jennifer Johnston (Mezzo-soprano, 2005/06) as Ježibaba.

Ella Taylor (Soprano 2019/20), Natasha Agarwal (Mezzo-soprano 2022/23), and Lily Mo Browne (Mezzo-soprano 2025/26) as Wood sprites.

Grace Durham (Mezzo-soprano 2016/17) as Turnspit/ Kitchen boy.

16/06/2026

In association with Wandsworth Town Property Partnership, we’re delighted to take part in this year’s London Festival of Architecture by opening our doors for a special afternoon celebrating our building and the historic Chapel Yard where we’re based.

This free event, Belonging in Practice, takes place on Saturday 20 June, 13:30–17:00, and will feature a live mural, community gardening, guided tours of our building, and a performance from our artists.

Later in the afternoon, a panel discussion will explore the Partnership’s work: how they are shaping a place where community, culture and design come together, and what ‘belonging’ looks like in practice.

Whether you’re curious about the future of Wandsworth Town or simply looking for an inspiring afternoon out, we’d love you to join us.

https://www.nationaloperastudio.org.uk/news/london-festival-of-architecture-open-afternoon/

14/06/2026

Last month, Emma Black, our Head of Artistic Planning, attended the first Opera Europa Young Artists Programmes forum meeting in Rome.

The forum was attended by over 50 representatives from across the globe. Emma was one of two UK representatives alongside Thomas Marshall (Royal Ballet and Opera).

Emma spoke on a panel discussing ‘Onboarding and Trust Buildling: Ensuring the Wellbeing of Young Artists’. Additionally, the forum discussed the evolving landscape of talent development, and explored topics including the integration of young artist programmes into company strategy, inter-programme collaboration, and supporting emerging artists beyond established programmes.

The representatives also attended an Opera Europa Next Generation Recital-Audition, as well as a performance of Rossini’s ‘Tancredi’ at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, conducted by Michele Mariotti and directed by Emma Dante.

Photography: Fabrizio Sansoni

13/06/2026

❓How do I make performing for video look and feel more natural?
❓Do I look at the camera?
❓Does the camera exaggerate my movements?

45% of our Instagram audience said they adjust their performance for camera - so if you do, you’re not alone!

In this reel, Nancy Holt shares practical advice from our partner companies on performing for video, how to set up your camera, where to look while you sing, and how to make your performance look natural

12/06/2026

Alum spotlight 🌟

Our warmest congratulations to Igor Horvat who has recently started a new role as Studienleiter at Hamburgische Staatsoper!

Igor trained at NOS in 2017/18 as a repetiteur, and was part of our 40th anniversary cohort.

10/06/2026

Free space this summer for artists and organisations.

During 11 June-7 August, we’re offering free use of our spaces to:

👥 Individuals and organisations creating new opera projects
🤝 Local Wandsworth-based arts organisations
🎭 Small arts organisations led by people from underrepresented communities

To enquire further, please contact [email protected] with more information about your project, the number of people involved and the dates you’re interested in.

06/06/2026

External validation is a wonderful thing when it happens, but it can’t be the reason we do what we do. Instead, we should invest our energy into the action of creativity - not the reward.

Ed Lyon (Tenor, Therapist, Stress Management Coach and Performance Coach) discusses the pitfalls of over-reliance on external validation and its impact on self satisfaction for creatives.

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

Studio Saturday | Auditions day

Thank you to those singers who signed up to our very first Studio Saturday centred around auditions.

The day was a unique opportunity for opera singers to experience the realities of professional auditions, and to receive guidance and feedback from leading industry professionals.

Sessions included mock auditions, CV guidance, 1:1 feedback, a group reflection, and a Q&A with the panel.

We are grateful to this wonderful team who led the day:

Lottie Gulliver - Opera Casting Consultant & Producer
Sarah-Jane Davies - Scottish Opera
Elaine Kidd - Royal Ballet and Opera
Liz Rowe - NOS Senior Staff Coach

Interested in future courses at the Studio? Head to the following link to apply for our free summer short courses or sign up to our newsletter.

https://www.nationaloperastudio.org.uk/short-courses/

Photos: Richard Hubert Smith