The Longborough Youth Company
Do you have a passion for singing?
Do you want to learn more about the world of opera?
Do you want to build on your acting/stagecraft techniques?
Do you want to perform with us?
Develop skills in singing and moving, ready to take part in full-scale opera performances.
Longborough Festival Opera’s Youth Company offers young people aged 7-21 the opportunity to develop their singing, creative skills, and stage experience, coached by a team of vocal, drama, and movement specialists. Members have the opportunity to take part in the youth chorus in main stage productions.
Our Director of Choruses, David Eaton, leads the rehearsal process alongside vocal coach / Mentor Maria Jagusz and Head of Learning and Participation Emma Campbell.
Invited professionals from the industry take the Youth Chorus through a series of workshops and masterclasses to build on their skills to prepare them for the mainstage.
The Youth Chorus performs regularly with the Orchestra and Company of Longborough Festival Opera in showcases and local concerts. Members have the opportunity to take part in our main stage productions.
“The Longborough Youth Chorus were full of verve and fun”
The Arbuturian (Carmen, 2022)
Take part in 2026
Plans for 2025/6 include a Christmas showcase in Longborough church on Sunday 7 December 2025.
Performance opportunities include our main stage productions during the 2026 season.
You don’t have to know lots about opera. We are looking for young people who show commitment and an interest in exploring exciting and innovative ways of storytelling through singing and acting.
Cost: £200 for the year and commitment to all rehearsals from Oct 25 – Aug 26
Payable in 2 instalments.
£80 by 10 October
£120 by 1 February 2026
(bursaries available on request)
Please register your interest in attending our Launch Day on Sunday 5 October
To register, please email emma@lfo.org.uk
Children under the age of 16 must communicate via a parent or guardian.
2025-2026 youth chorus schedule
Director of Choruses
David Eaton
David Eaton is a conductor, pianist, composer, lyricist, and sound designer. He is the musical director and a founding member of Charles Court Opera, where he has led numerous productions over nearly two decades.
Vocal Coach / Mentor
Maria Jagusz
Mezzo soprano Maria Jagusz started her career with Opera North and has subsequently worked both as an operatic and concert singer working in the major houses in the UK and Europe. Her roles included Carmen, Dorabella (Cosi Fan Tutte), Cherubino (Marriage of Figaro) Hansel (Hansel and Gretel) Rosina (Barber of Seville) and Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus).
Head of Learning and Participation
Emma Campbell
Emma Campbell has a rich background as a former dancer and choreographer. Having worked across Europe and even as far as Japan, Emma's diverse experiences include a three-year stint with the beloved Circus Roncalli, and assistant choreographer for Gifford's Circus.
The acting of the youngsters in the Longborough Youth Chorus was delightfully unselfconscious
Opera magazine, Cunning Little Vixen 2021
