Glyndebourne is pulling out all the stops for its biggest-ever community opera, set to hit the stage in February 2025. Uprising is the name of the game, a new opera from Jonathan Dove and writer April De Angelis that tackles climate change and youth activism head-on. And it’s not just professionals in the spotlight. More than 140 local performers are getting involved, from teens to adults, both on stage and in the orchestra pit.
The show will feature a massive community chorus of 110 singers, made up of 60 young people (aged 14-19) and 50 adults from across Sussex. Throw in eight drummers from the Brighton & Hove Percussion Ensemble and you’ve got yourself a serious ensemble. Not to mention, 24 young musicians, mostly from Brighton and East Sussex Youth Orchestra, will be performing alongside pro players from Glyndebourne Sinfonia and the Jerwood Pit Perfect scheme, a programme supporting up-and-coming instrumentalists.
Earlier this summer, auditions were held all over the local area, giving anyone within 25 miles of Glyndebourne the chance to be part of this epic production. The doors were open to people from all walks of life, especially those from backgrounds less represented in opera, making this a truly inclusive event.
The story of Uprising follows Lola, a teenager shaken by the destruction of the environment, asking the big question: “How can someone as small as me change anything?” It’s a powerful look at the world through the eyes of the younger generation and highlights the struggles between a mother and daughter trying to make sense of both personal and global chaos.
Jonathan Dove is no stranger to this kind of thing. He’s been tackling environmental themes in his work for over 20 years. This is his fifth opera diving into climate issues and it’s inspired by the youth-led movements like Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future. Dove’s first community opera was Hastings Spring back in 1990, but he’s probably best known for Flight, which has been performed over 150 times around the world. Dove shared his thoughts on Uprising, saying, “It’s my most urgent opera yet, tackling the biggest challenge we’re facing today through the eyes of a teenage girl who becomes an activist.”
In addition to all the musical talent, Glyndebourne teamed up with Human Hive, a global organisation that trains young people to be “ChangeMakers.” Through a year of workshops, the teenage participants explored how they can make a real impact on the world, using opera as a platform for action.
Directed by Sinéad O’Neill and designed by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, Uprising is also getting a sustainable makeover. Everything from the costumes to the scenery will be re-used, rented, or recycled and the production is set to live on even after the final curtain.
Artistic Director Stephen Langridge is thrilled about the project, calling it Glyndebourne’s biggest community opera to date. He said: “Climate change is the number one issue for young people today and we’re excited to bring together over a hundred local talents to shine a light on this vital topic.”
With such a huge mix of local talent, young voices and pros working together, Uprising is shaping up to be a truly exciting and creative experience for everyone involved.
Key Information
● Uprising at Glyndebourne
● Friday 28th February at 7pm, Saturday 1st March at 3pm and Sunday 2nd March at 3pm
● Box office: www.glyndebourne.com
● Image credit: Sarah Hickson
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