Funding for a community opera project

Oxfordshire Contemporary Opera (OCO) is a small charity based company that has successfully produced two operas in Oxfordshire written by a local composer and is looking to produce a third opera in 2023. The objectives of OCO are - to advance education for the public benefit by performing accessible contemporary opera sung in English - to support the development of outstanding young professionals and students, singers, musicians, and other members of the production team - to further its educational function through the involvement of amateur members of the community within the production - to support artistic endeavour by commissioning new work from, and also performing existing contemporary works of, British composers to promote its educational purpose through an accessible and relaxed ethos with affordable ticket prices. - to enable the arts sector to support a more diverse range of arts professionals towards sustainable careers This year's opera is entitled "Fame and Envy", written by Roger Simmonds with a libretto by Simon Kingston both of whom live in Wheatley where OCO activities are based. The opera will be performed at St Mary's Parish Church, Thame. The cast will include six young professionals, starting out on their careers, supported by a chorus of local singers together with a small orchestra, composed again of local musicians. The budget for this production will be in the region of £15,000. The revenue from ticket sales will be insufficient to cover the costs of the production which OCO has addressed by carrying out various fund raising concerts and other activities including requests for donations and sponsorships. At this stage we are preparing for a concert performance of the opera, however if funds were forthcoming we would be able to enhance the performance to achieve the full potential of the opera. Therefore, we are submitting this application to your organisation to explore what funds could be raised on our behalf.