Thames Opera Company

Who We Are

Thames Opera Company is a welcoming, inclusive community opera company based in Upminster with a real emphasis on community. We put our chorus at the heart of our company, and we are open to anyone in the Thames Gateway area. So, if you are a resident of Havering, Thurrock, Brentwood, Basildon, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, East London, Southend, Essex, or Kent, who has always wanted to sing in a choir, we would love to hear from you!

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We passionately believe that opera should be accessible and enjoyed by all and invite everyone, no matter their background or musical ability to come and experience the joy that singing and performing opera can bring.

 

• No previous singing experience is required

• There is no audition

• There is no requirement to sing alone or to read music

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We were granted charitable status in November 2022, and our charity's objectives are:

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• For the promotion of the arts for the benefit of the public through the presentation of dramatic and other arts, in particular opera

• For the advancement of education of the public in dramatic and other arts, predominantly in the Thames Gateway area

 

Thames Opera Company was created in 2020 by members of the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus (ROHTCC). Founded in 2011, ROHTCC was a much loved choir in Thurrock, renowned for its high standards, performing in prestigious venues such as the Royal Opera House, Milton Court, and the Southbank Centre.  

 

Sadly, in response to the Covid pandemic, the Royal Opera House withdrew their funding in 2020, and Thames Opera Company was born in its place.​ We seek to build on the decade long legacy of the ROHTCC, continuing to bring opera and choral music to audiences old and new. 

 

Thames Opera Company embodies a joyous and diverse spirit and draws a wide range of people from all walks of life, from complete novices to experienced performers. We invite you to join us on our musical journey.

 

A Chorus Where You Can Belong...

 

Take a look at this engaging film by BBC Radio 3's Ian Skelly, which tells the story of how Thames Opera Company is dedicated to being completely inclusive. Our active approach to inclusion has won acclaim and international recognition for helping a number of its members overcome the debilitating effects of loneliness and social isolation.
 

 
What We Do

As our name suggests, Thames Opera Company has an ambitious and diverse repertoire with a focus on, though not exclusively, opera.  We aim to perform pieces staged or semi staged, and in their original language.

 

We provide rehearsal tracks, tips and techniques to grow our members' abilities and confidence, whilst having a lot of fun along the way.

 

We are a very friendly, open and supportive choral group, committed to sharing our passion for this wonderful and diverse art. Other choirs we've collaborated with include London Phoenix Choir, Clerkenwell Community Choir, and Lewisham Creative Chorus.