Company history

The company began life in 2004 as New Devon Opera, chaired by Linda Hughes JP MBE. It produced for the first time in 2005. Performances were in English, supported by an amateur chorus. The company toured to several Devon venues, including Ugbrooke House, Royal William Yard Plymouth, Dartmouth Favel Theatre and Budleigh Salterton Summer Festival.

New Devon Opera continued for several seasons before rebranding as Devon Opera under the chairmanship of Robert Hough and switching to fully professional performances in the original language. Themed concerts gradually developed into abridged stage productions and finally into fully staged operas at venues including Dartington Great Hall and the Barnfield Theatre Exeter. Small instrumental ensembles gradually replaced the former piano-only accompaniment.

Now, chaired by Anne Foreman, the company places special emphasis on supporting outstanding West Country singers. Performances of full operas take place at the Exeter Northcott and Barnfield Theatres.