Garsington Opera is set to unveil “Uprooted,” a groundbreaking new opera by Hannah Conway and Hazel Gould, premiering on July 29, 2025. Commissioned by Garsington Opera, the work was developed in collaboration with the Bee Squad, a Manchester-based community initiative dedicated to enhancing the lives of children affected by homelessness. The production will feature the talents of the Garsington Opera Youth Company, with Paul Wingfield conducting and Karen Gillingham directing.
According to Gould, the opera aims to engage young audiences by exploring significant social issues through the lens of young adult fiction. “We wanted a story that’s engaging for the young people participating in it,” she stated in an official press release. “I wanted to explore who that child would be, what the situation would mean to a child, and how this comparison with animals might feel.”
Exploring Social Issues Through Opera
The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative by Garsington Opera to address pressing social issues through the arts. “Uprooted” seeks to shed light on the often overlooked human stories behind homelessness, particularly how it impacts families and children. Composer Hannah Conway hopes the opera will prompt audiences to reflect on these realities while enjoying a compelling performance by young artists.
“The audience might not have thought before about the human stories behind what happens when a family is made homeless, so I would like them to consider those realities,” Conway explained. “I also want them to enjoy watching an incredible group of young people perform. And I want them to be emotionally touched.”
The Unique Sound of “Uprooted”
The opera’s soundscape is designed to be both engaging and thought-provoking. Conway describes the music as having a “sassy” quality, with themes that reflect the strength and attitude of its characters. “The badgers and Brock have quite a bit of attitude and strength in their themes,” she noted. “The badgers are a little bit magical and mysterious, while Brock has a fiery temper, but also real tenderness.”
“I wanted the sound world to be a bit sassy. The badgers and Brock have quite a bit of attitude and strength in their themes.” – Hannah Conway
Community Collaboration and Future Implications
This development follows Garsington Opera’s tradition of community engagement, exemplified by its partnership with the Bee Squad. The collaboration underscores the potential of opera to serve as a platform for social commentary and change. By involving young performers and focusing on relevant issues, Garsington Opera continues to push the boundaries of traditional opera.
Looking ahead, “Uprooted” could pave the way for similar projects that combine artistic expression with social advocacy. As opera companies worldwide seek to remain relevant and impactful, productions like “Uprooted” demonstrate the power of the arts to foster empathy and understanding among diverse audiences.
Meanwhile, opera enthusiasts can look forward to a season rich with diverse offerings, as Garsington Opera has announced an exciting lineup of performances for 2025. As the premiere of “Uprooted” approaches, anticipation builds for a production that promises to be both entertaining and enlightening.
