Opera Vera UK

Opera Vera UK Opera Vera blends 20th-century masterpieces and contemporary works in a world of elegance, edge, and emotion

Meet our clarinettist, Oliver Charles-Lee Hailing from the quiet countryside of North Lincolnshire, Oliver’s passion fo...
23/04/2026

Meet our clarinettist, Oliver Charles-Lee

Hailing from the quiet countryside of North Lincolnshire, Oliver’s passion for performance was ignited at an early age with the recorder at primary school. Eager to try out different instruments he eventually began playing the clarinet at the age of 12.

A graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music with First Class Honours, Oliver has since returned to complete his Master’s study where he is generously supported by the Oglesby Charitable Trust and the George Henry Peters Scholarship.

During his studies, Oliver performed in all major RNCM ensembles. Particular highlights include Stravinsky’s The Firebird, and more recently Mahler’s Second Symphony in Manchester’s iconic Bridgewater Hall. He successfully auditioned for Professional Experience Schemes with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, The Halle Orchestra and Opera North. These schemes have led to further amazing opportunities including recording the final movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the Halle Orchestra and, working with the BBCPO for a studio recording – a career highlight!

Beyond the orchestra, Oliver is a passionate soloist. He had his concerto debut in Nottingham’s Albert Hall performing Weber’s concertino. His exploration of challenging contemporary repertoire by Rautavaara and Lindberg earned him consecutive appearances in the RNCM Concerto Competition finals (2020, 2021). He has also enjoyed performing solo recitals in Louth, Southport, Redcar and Manchester.

We are delighted to welcome Oliver to our Sunflowers production. Opening night is already tomorrow—we can’t wait to share it with you. Tickets in bio 🌻
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Meet our flautist, Jessica Pun Lai YuenJessica is a distinguished graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, where...
22/04/2026

Meet our flautist, Jessica Pun Lai Yuen

Jessica is a distinguished graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, where she studied Flute with Laura Jellicoe and Piccolo with Jennifer Hutchinson. A versatile and dedicated performer, she has already built an impressive profile as both a soloist and orchestral musician, receiving multiple awards including prizes in the British Flute Society Competitions.

During her time at RNCM, Jessica held the position of Principal Flute in the Symphony Orchestra and was awarded the Peter Lloyd Prize for her first-year recital. She also performed at the Bridgewater Hall alongside both the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic as part of their Professional Experience Schemes.

In July 2024, she graduated with First Class Honours in Music from the University of Manchester as part of the prestigious Joint Course, where she performed the Flute Concerto (Ibert) with the University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra.

Jessica’s musical foundation includes her studies at the Junior Royal Academy of Music, where she was awarded the Woodwind Prize in 2019. She was previously Principal Flautist of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, supported by a prestigious Leverhulme Scholarship.

Most recently, Jessica was awarded the woodwind place on the Ulster Orchestra Professional Experience Scheme and looks forward to her upcoming work in Belfast. Alongside her orchestral career, she is an active chamber musician and continues to explore the breadth of the flute repertoire. She will begin her Master’s studies at the Royal Academy of Music this September.

We are excited to welcome Jessica to Opera Vera for our Sunflowers production. Opening night this Friday. Ticket links in bio. 🌻
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Meet our violinist, Christina MaxfieldGreek-British violinist Christina Maxfield is a distinguished graduate of the Roya...
22/04/2026

Meet our violinist, Christina Maxfield

Greek-British violinist Christina Maxfield is a distinguished graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, where she completed both her Bachelor’s degree (First Class Honours) and Master of Music under the guidance of Yuri Torchinsky, leader of the BBC Philharmonic. Her studies were generously supported by a scholarship from the Waverley Fund.

Christina has established herself as a compelling soloist, reaching the finals of the RNCM’s prestigious annual concerto competition in both 2021 and 2023. She has performed Violin Concerto (Barber) professionally with the Athenean Ensemble, and in 2024 was awarded first prize in the RNCM’s Norman George Violin Competition.

Her artistic development has been further enriched through working with leading figures in the field, including a masterclass on Violin Sonata (Ravel) with Grammy-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich.

Alongside her solo work, Christina is a highly accomplished orchestral musician. She has recently completed a professional placement with the BBC Philharmonic, performing in concert with the orchestra, and has appeared alongside members of the Hallé in a sold-out performance of Radio Rewrite.

Christina is also a member of the Toska Quartet and currently performs on a Tomas Pilar violin.

We are excited to have Christina Maxfield join us for our Sunflowers production. Opening night this Friday. Ticket links in bio. 🥳
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Introducing our cellist in SUNFLOWERS production — Cillian HennessyManchester-based cellist Cillian Hennessy is currentl...
21/04/2026

Introducing our cellist in SUNFLOWERS production — Cillian Hennessy

Manchester-based cellist Cillian Hennessy is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he previously completed his undergraduate studies.

He has studied with the distinguished pedagogue Gillian Thoday (a pupil of André Navarra), and now works under the guidance of Edvard Pogossian, cellist of Trio Isimsiz and principal cello of the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Cillian is the recipient of several major awards, including the Marie Thecla Kieran Award, the Amy Lindsey Cello Prize, and the Leonard Rose Award, recognising both his artistry and technical distinction.

A committed chamber musician, he has performed extensively across the North with ensembles such as the Silja Trio and the Toska Quartet. Alongside this, he is building an impressive professional portfolio, having worked with Northern Ireland Opera and the Orchestral Qawwali Project, and appearing regularly as a solo recitalist in Manchester.

We are delighted to welcome Cillian to Opera Vera for Sunflowers — an artist of depth, precision, and growing distinction.
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Introducing the fabulous Gary Rushton, who will be performing the role of the Soldier in Adam Gorb’s Sunflowers.Born in ...
20/04/2026

Introducing the fabulous Gary Rushton, who will be performing the role of the Soldier in Adam Gorb’s Sunflowers.

Born in Hungary, Gary settled in the UK in 2006 and has been deeply immersed in music ever since, exploring singing, piano, and composition from an early age. He read Music at Cambridge, where he sang with the Choir of Jesus College and studied solo voice with David Lowe. He later moved to London to study composition with Edmund Finnis at the Royal Academy of Music, and now works as a freelance singer, composer, and pianist.

Since beginning his studies with Zoe South, and more recently Alwyn Mellor, Gary has developed a powerful dramatic voice while retaining the sensitivity and refinement required for a wide-ranging repertoire. He is especially passionate about performing new works, including the recent premiere of NEWTON by Ezra Williams — and, of course, Sunflowers by Adam Gorb.

Recent roles include Pang (Turandot, 2026) and Gastone (La Traviata, 2023) with Instant Opera, alongside chorus performances in Oedipus Rex, Peter Grimes, and Billy Budd with New Palace Opera. Upcoming engagements include Colonel Fairfax (The Yeomen of the Guard), Radamès (Aida), and Young Servant (Elektra), in addition to regular concert and choral appearances across London. Alongside his performing career, Gary maintains a thriving teaching practice in singing, piano, and music theory.

Having lived in and around Manchester, and with fond memories of the Hallé Youth Choir, Gary is especially excited to return and perform with Opera Vera.

Don’t miss this powerful, emotionally rich new work. Opening night is already this Friday — secure your tickets via the link in bio.
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We are beyond proud to announce that our work is now supported by the Ida Carroll Trust, the Hinrichsen Foundation, and ...
16/04/2026

We are beyond proud to announce that our work is now supported by the Ida Carroll Trust, the Hinrichsen Foundation, and Arts Council England.

This recognition marks a significant moment for us — a belief in our artistic vision, and in the importance of bringing new music and opera to life today.

Join us this April and experience it for yourself — bold, urgent, and alive.

Tickets available via the link in bio.

As we approach our first performance of Sunflowers, we are proud to introduce the exceptional artists behind the project...
14/04/2026

As we approach our first performance of Sunflowers, we are proud to introduce the exceptional artists behind the project. We are truly blessed to be working with remarkable professionals, and we begin by presenting our Music Director and Pianist, Ameen Elbadri.

Ameen Elbadri is a Manchester-based Music Director and pianist of exceptional depth and vision, whose work bridges scholarship and performance at the highest level. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Manchester on Ethel Smyth’s The Wreckers, his artistry is grounded in a profound understanding of the operatic form.

An award-winning musicologist, Ameen received the Society for Music Analysis Undergraduate Award for his acclaimed work on Mahler, presented at the 2025 international conference. As a pianist, he is equally distinguished — appearing both as a compelling soloist and sought-after collaborator, with a repertoire spanning from Romantic masters to the bold sound worlds of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Recent highlights include Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time and major collaborative projects featuring The Rite of Spring and Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony. Deeply committed to new music, Ameen has been involved in multiple premieres, championing emerging voices with clarity and conviction.

For Opera Vera’s Sunflowers — a landmark double bill of two world premieres — Ameen brings intellectual rigour, artistic sensitivity, and unmistakable authority.
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🎫Join us to experience this remarkable new music brought to life — tickets available via the link in bio.
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Please send your applications to info@operavera.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you! 🎶
23/09/2025

Please send your applications to [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you! 🎶

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Chorlton Mill 3 Cambridge St
Manchester
M1 5BY

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+447479744092

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