4th February 2026
Contact Melvin Claridge
Phone 07789 518246
Email melvin@pegasusoperacompany.org
Upon the successful pilot programme launched during the pandemic in 2020, Pegasus Opera Company now runs an annual opera mentoring programme. The programme is once again open for applications and continues to work in partnership with the prestigious Glyndebourne Opera House. An additional four mentees will be supported by the Laidlaw Opera Trust.
- Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 1st March 2026.
- Shortlisted applicant auditions will be held in London on Tuesday 17th March 2026.
- Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 31st March 2026.
- The mentoring scheme will begin from May 2026.
More information and application form at this link: https://pegasusoperacompany.org/our-work/opera-mentoring-programme/
The programme was launched in response to the continued underrepresentation of classical artists of global majority heritage on the UK opera stages. Pegasus Opera Company is the UK’s leading diverse opera organisation. Our opera mentoring programme pairs each mentee with established global majority mentors who are seasoned opera professionals delivering one to one coaching on repertoire, vocal technique and career advice. Artists invited to be on the programme will also receive a £350 bursary to ensure there are no barriers in attending the programme.
This bespoke programme was featured in 2023 on BBC World’s “Take Me to the Opera” with Zeinab Badawi, and last year all mentees performed in a masterclass with Danielle de Niese, as well as in a showcase for leading industry figures.
Link to ‘behind the scenes’ of Pegasus Opera mentees attending a masterclass with soprano Danielle de Niese at Glyndebourne:
Many of our opera mentoring alumni have continued to work with Pegasus Opera Company, and go on to receive professional opportunities in leading opera houses.
Alison Buchanan, Artistic Director of Pegasus Opera Company, said “As we launch our fourth year of the Pegasus mentorship with our Pegasus and Glyndebourne Scholars, I reflect on the tremendous impact this relationship has had on our singers, how important it is and how it hones them, inspires them and is a game changer in the ir development. I am excited for this next year. Glyndebourne holds a special place in my heart, it is where I got my start as a singer and love that this partnership not only continues but flourishes.”
Stephen Landridge, Artistic Director of Glyndebourne said “We’re really pleased to be continuing our partnership with Pegasus Opera. Each year, we’ve been able to deepen the relationship and find new ways to support each other. The feedback from last year’s mentees was again incredibly positive and our wider partnership helps support our commitment to a fully inclusive and diverse workplace culture at Glyndebourne.”
The programme will help artists to hone their skills as a classical artist and help them plan next steps as they navigate their way through the opera industry. As well as being paired with mentors who have extensive experience in the classical world, they will have the opportunity to attend a masterclass with a leading opera artist.
“This scheme has been such a unique, exciting, and enjoyable experience, and has opened so many doors for me at the start of my career. I’ve felt so welcomed and encouraged during my training, and would highly recommend other young artists to take part.” Jasmine Flicker 2023/24 Opera Mentee
“Three words to describe the programme: engaging, varied and educational! A highlight was being offered a cover at English National Opera as a result of singing in the final Pegasus Mentorship Showcase.” Roberta Philip 2023/24 Mentee
“Working with highly experienced and diverse artists, including my brilliant mentor Jonathan Lemalu, has been a great opportunity. I’ve already learned so much and I believe that what Pegasus is doing is invaluable and unique in the opera industry, so I’m very happy to now be part of their community.” Julian Chou-Lambert 2024/25 Mentee
Pegasus is proud to continue to champion for equality and strive to continue to diversify the classical arts sector, proudly in association with Glynebourne. This programme is generously supported by Laidlaw Opera Trust, Katie Bradford Arts Trust, Idlewood Foundation, Thriplow Foundation, Scopps Arts Trust & The Hedley Foundation.
Soprano Alison Buchanan working with soprano Marie Cayeux, photography Pat Hanratty
Tenor Yumeng Cui, photography Marc Gascoigne.
