From top left to right: Anusha Merrin, Marc Verter, Keren Hadas, Isabella Moore, Yolisa Ngwexana, Yumeng Cui, Alison Buchanan. Photos by Marc Gascoigne, Hartley Woolf and Pat Hanratty.
13 March 2025
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 4 mentees will be supported by the Laidlaw Opera Trust. Programme Applications will close on Sunday 23rd March at 11:59pm, shortlisted applicant auditions will be held in London on Monday 31st March and successful applicants will be notified by Monday 14th April. More information can be found on our website
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 “Our relationship with Pegasus Opera is incredibly valuable, developing more each year as we learn from and support each other. The feedback that we get from the mentees is helping shape the programme for future participants, and the wider partnership is supporting our commitment to a fully inclusive and diverse workplace culture both on and off the stage.
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, now proudly in partnership with Glynebourne.
About Pegasus Opera Company
Pegasus is a professional opera company with a family of widespread artists, participants and supporters. We produce high-quality performances and balance this with a focus on artist development, with an eye to promoting the talents of emerging artists of global majority heritage and bringing this onto eminent platforms of note and significance. For over thirty years, Pegasus Opera Company has worked tirelessly to champion artists from diverse backgrounds.
We craft innovative, inclusive, and contemporary operas and concerts that resonate with diverse audiences. From captivating performances to groundbreaking compositions, we’re redefining opera for a modern world, ensuring it speaks to everyone.
“This superb company continues to attract singers of consistently high quality…universally excellent…” Arts Council England
“Resplendent with commitment, quality and ambition, I am excited to see what Pegasus will do next.” The Stage
For more information you can contact Pegasus Opera Company’s Talent Director at melvin@pegasusoperacompany.org or by calling 07789 518246
Anusha Merrin, Alison Buchanan. Photo by Pat Hanratty.
Yolisa Ngwexana, photo by Hartley Woolf.
