Exodus
Join our 2027 Community Opera, Exodus – the world premiere of a powerful new opera by John Barber, with libretto by Jude Christian, based on the acclaimed novel by Julia Bertagna. Set at the end of this century, Exodus tells a gripping story of survival, hope and courage in a changing world.
Mara, a girl from a small island threatened by rising seas due to climate change, sets out on a voyage to find a safe place. After reaching a towering city, she discovers a harshly divided society and must fight to help others survive and find refuge in this new world.
This ambitious new production will unite professional soloists and musicians with 200 passionate community performers from our Youth, Adult and School companies. Conducted by Douglas Boyd, Garsington’s Artistic Director, and directed by Karen Gillingham, Creative Director of Learning & Participation, this is a rare chance to be involved in bringing a brand-new opera to life on stage. We’re very excited to be reunited with composer John Barber who was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for The Selfish Giant, a commission for our Youth Company in 2021.
Together, we’ll create something unforgettable.
Get involved
We are looking for performers of all ages to be part of a vibrant community cast, to take part in the production culminating in performances during Garsington Opera’s 2027 Season. There’s also an opportunity for young people to be part of our backstage team. Due to the generosity of donors and trusts we are delighted to be able to provide all opportunities free of charge.
Adult Company – Performing
Our Adult Company is made of individuals from all walks of life. No experience is needed and there is no requirement to read music.
Prior to Exodus there will be a short project in the Autumn with a few rehearsals in November leading up to an informal sharing to friends and family on Sunday 6 December 2026 with the Youth Company. There is no audition for this and although we aim to involve as many people as possible, numbers are limited and so our selection criteria involves the need to balance parts. This is a great opportunity to try out the Adult Company so if you are interested, please fill in the form below and we will be in touch with more details when confirmed.
Register your interest for the Adult Company Autumn Project
Exodus rehearsals will commence in May and there will be regular rehearsals on Thursday evenings before production rehearsals and performances in July 2027.
If you would like to take part in Exodus, please check the schedule carefully to ensure you can commit to the production. Although most of our projects are un-auditioned, due to the nature of the music, a need to balance the voices and a limit on places there will be a group workshop audition on the evening of Tuesday 8 December 2026. You will not need to prepare anything in advance of the audition as you will be taught all the music and drama at the session. To sign-up for the audition, please fill in the form below.
Youth Company – Performing
The Youth Company is for children and young people at school aged 9 upwards. (In 2026-27 young people are eligible as long as they are aged 9 by 22 May 2027.) Membership of the Youth Company is via an audition process which takes the format of a group workshop with nothing to prepare in advance. No experience is necessary as we look for enthusiasm, potential and a zest for performing.
Rehearsals will start in November leading up to an informal sharing to friends and family with the Adult Company on Sunday 6 December 2026. The programme will then continue in Spring before production rehearsals and performances in July 2027.
Youth Company Schedule 2026-27
If you would like to join the Youth Company please sign-up by Thursday 11 June.
Our group workshop auditions are at Garsington Studios as below:
First round – for everyone who signs up to audition
Date: Saturday 13 June 2026
Time: 16:00-17:00
Recalls – invite only from the first round
Date: Sunday 14th June 2026
Time: 16:30-18:30
Youth Company – Stage Management, Sets, Props & Costume and Lighting
We’re looking for young people who are interested in one or more of the above areas. You don’t need loads of experience to apply as you will be supported by a professional team but you do need to be able to take initiative, think for yourself and also enjoy working as part of a team. Dates are to be confirmed but you will need to be available in June and July 2027. Backstage opportunities are usually offered from Year 9 upwards but it depends on the nature of the production and the design.
More information will be announced in early 2027. If you would like to get involved, please fill in the expression of interest form and we will send you full details and how to apply as soon as it’s available.
For any questions about the performing opportunities, please email learning@garsingtonopera.org
For more information about the Adult Company please email goadults@garsingtonopera.org
For more information about the Youth Company please email goyouth@garsingtonopera.org
If you have any questions about the backstage opportunities please email rowan@garsingtonopera.org
