La bella Italia! The mainstage production of the 2024 The Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program (LGNOP), directed by Stuart Maunder AM, and accompanied by the invaluable Ensemble Q, pays homage to the birthplace of opera, and the rich and varied culture it has shared with the world.

This year, we are presenting scenes from operas, either by Italian composers such as Rossini and Donizetti or, by composers of other nationalities, ranging from Handel to Offenbach (not to mention Gilbert and Sullivan!), who have looked to Italy for their inspiration.

Our talented young singers feel right at home, having enjoyed three weeks of intensive training in all the skills necessary for singing Italian opera, not least thanks to the inestimable skills of our guest coach and conductor, Felice Venanzoni, from Frankfurt Opera.

An evening of love, laughter, drama and la dolce vita – just what you would expect.