You can apply to join the Dorset Opera Summer School Chorus if you are any age from 18 to 70, though we particularly encourage students aged 18-25. Many participants are from the UK – and many from Dorset – but singers join us from all over the world. You will work alongside world-renowned soloists, directors and conductors and, during the final week of the 18-day course, sing in fully-staged opera productions, accompanied by a full orchestra.

Where is Dorset Opera Summer School held?

Bryanston School, near Blandford Forum, a market town in the county of Dorset, south-west UK.
Bryanston is one of the top private schools in the UK and prides itself in having the finest state of the art music facilities. It is ideal for our summer school needs, providing not only a large fully-equipped theatre and grounds for our Festival performances but all the rehearsal spaces we could want. Being a residential course, we are allowed full use of the elegant school buildings, boarding houses and facilities (including swimming pool, tennis courts and popular students’ bar) Read more about the venue and take a virtual tour of Bryanston.

What are the 2027 course dates?

Choristers will arrive at Bryanston on 8th July 2027 in time for lunch and get straight to work that afternoon. Soloists arrive a day earlier than the chorus. Everyone will leave promptly after an early breakfast on Sunday 25th July 2027.

What is Dorset Opera Festival?

A world-class, country-house opera festival that takes place at the end of July each summer in Dorset, UK.
Founded in 1974, we became a fully-fledged festival in 2011 with a remit to present at least two major opera productions each summer. At the end of July each year, the Dorset Opera Festival gives a week of performances of two fully staged operas, usually in the original language, with full orchestra and internationally acclaimed soloists alongside emerging British artists and our summer school chorus. The performances are of exceptional quality, attracting the attention of national critics and operagoers from across the UK and abroad, as well as entertaining intensely loyal local audiences.

Who is a typical Opera Summer School Chorus student?

A mix of emerging artists and aspiring singers of all ages, though we particularly encourage 18-25 year olds. There are around 50-60 chorus members in total. 

How do I get there?

You are welcome to bring your own car but there is easy access by train from London and we are around two hours by road from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. If coming by train, we will ask choristers to come to Salisbury station on a specific train that we send a minibus to meet. How to find us.

How much does it cost?

We don’t charge a course fee. Instead, we just ask for a contribution towards your full-board accommodation, costumes, and scores. The amount depends on your student status.
What we’re able to offer is really special – no other British summer school gives participants such a generous package.

Up to 10 Dorset-based students under the age of 25 in full-time education receive a bursary.
For all others, the 2027 fees are still to be announced. The 2026 fees are displayed below for reference. 

2026 British students: up to age 25 in full-time education (incl. gap year):
Full board £1050 (£61.76 a day) | Non-resident, but lunch and dinner on campus £650 (£38.23 a day)
2026 All other choristers, UK and overseas:
Full board £ 1550 (£91.17 a day) | Non-resident, but lunch and dinner on campus £1050 (£61.76 a day)

Which operas are planned for 2027?

2027 operas will be announced late November/early December 2026 and will include two wonderful operas, specially chosen to give the chorus maximum opportunity to shine on stage. They will be sung in the original language. Find a history of operas we’ve produced from 1974 to present day in the production archive

When do choristers start work?

For choristers, work starts immediately after lunch on arrival day with a lively meet & greet session at 14:30. There is an enormous amount to do, so the first chorus music call is that evening, after a 6pm supper.

What preparation is necessary before you arrive?

There is very little personal time to learn the libretti and notes once you’ve arrived at Bryanston – so we ask that before you arrive you familiarise yourself with the music and start learning your words when you first receive your score (usually in May).

What is the daily routine?

There are three intensive rehearsal sessions each day. Most opera companies have two sessions a day but we only have 11 days to rehearse before opening night. Rehearsals start at 10am and continue throughout the day, with breaks for coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and supper. There is always time at the end of the day to relax and get together in the Bryanston bar.

Course Structure
3-4 days intensive classroom note learning
3 days blocking with more note learning
Into the theatre for more blocking
Piano dress rehearsal
Rehearsal with orchestra
Two evenings of dress rehearsals
5 performance days 20-24 July 2027 including two matinées

Daily routine – rehearsal period
08:00-09:00 Breakfast
10:00-13:00 Rehearsal
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:30-17:30 Rehearsal
18:00-19:00 Supper
19:00-22:00 Rehearsal

Daily routine – performance days
5pm warm-up call on the first night and otherwise free until 1 hour before performance.

Is there time to socialise?

There is a lot of socialising. Most days end with a drink in the bar or smaller get togethers in the individual boarding houses and there are various organised events including a fancy-dress (US, costume) curry party. On the final night the everyone involved gets together to enjoy the after-party.

What else does the course offer?

With more time available during the performance week, we organise various additional opportunities including masterclasses and mock auditions. The 2027 schedule has not yet been confirmed but in recent years it has included masterclasses in singing, language and pronunciation, wigs & make-up, stage-fighting techniques, audition technique, advice from an opera agent….and more.
You can also sign up for a mock audition with the Music and Artistic Directors and members of this year’s production team. Small roles are often given to stand-out singers.

There are seven performances in total with two on the final Saturday followed by the last-night party. Everyone is utterly exhausted but elated – a superb end to what, for all, has been a hard-working and exhilarating 17 days.

Who are the course leaders?

Chorus Master | Stephen Harris

We were delighted that in 2026 Stephen Harris returned as festival Chorus Master. You will be tutored by Stephen throughout and in excellent hands; Stephen has had an impressive career working with some of the most famous opera companies including ENO, WNO, Opera North, Nederlandse Reisopera, Oslo Opera and the LSO.

Music Director | Jeremy Carnall

Jeremy Carnall is the former First Kapellmeister at Theater St Gallen in Switzerland and with Oper Leipzig and the Gewandhaus orchestra, later becoming guest conductor. Other important positions include Nederlandse Reisopera, Scottish Opera and the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra. 2027 will be Jeremy’s twentieth season with us.

Artistic Director | Roderick Kennedy

Everything is under the watchful eye of Artistic Director, Roderick Kennedy. Now retired from an international singing career, Rod has appeared all over the world with over 500 performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Artistic Director Dorset Opera since 2004, Rod brings a wealth of advice and guidance to young singers.