One of Cornwall’s top opera companies is gearing up for a 2024 summer production and is inviting members of the public to join.

Duchy Opera has launched an exciting musical programme for the autumn in the run-up to next summer’s big production, the popular comic operetta ‘Die Fledermaus’ by Johann Strauss. 

The production will take the stage at the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth, and Park House Truro.

The audition season begins in October with a ‘Come and Sing’ afternoon, led by Cornish composer Russell Pascoe and everyone is welcome.

Falmouth Packet: Duchy Opera's Jury Men Duchy Opera's Jury Men (Image: Duchy Opera)Music Director Patrick Bailey will be leading the Die Fledermaus production. Bailey’s career includes concerts for BBC orchestras, BBC Proms, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, and Royal Opera House

Former Helston mayor, Gillian Geer has been appointed director of the production.

Duchy Opera chair Karen Harris said: “We are delighted to welcome Patrick Bailey and Gillian Geer.

“We are very lucky to have them both and know we can look forward to an exciting production.”

If you would like to know more or to join the chorus for an afternoon taster session at the Come and Sing in Tresillian Village Hall at 2.30pm, Saturday, October 14.

Towards the end of November (Saturday 25 and Sunday 26), auditions will be held for soloists for the main Fledermaus roles. Applications from throughout the West Country and the UK will be welcomed by Duchy Opera.

As well as the auditions for Die Fledermaus, Duchy Opera has quite a few busy months ahead. Starting with their production of ‘Around the World in Eighteen Songs’ at Mevagissey Jubilee Hall on Saturday, November 4 at 7.30pm.

This production will feature many ‘iconic’ opera favourites including from France, ‘Bizet’s Carmen’ from America ‘Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess’ and many more from Russia, Italy and Germany.

Ms Harris comments: “We will be dinging in some of the best-known opera arias and choruses, as we circumnavigate the world calling in at famous operatic locations on the way.”

For more information, email duchy@duchyopera.co.uk. If you are interested in auditioning, email auditions@duchyopera.co.uk.