Take part

Spark taster days

Workshops introducing the story and music of our new youth opera

Spark is a newly-commissioned opera by composer Lucy Armstrong and librettist Olivia Bell, that will be performed at Glyndebourne during Autumn Season 2026.

This youth opera continues Glyndebourne’s long commitment to creating work with, and for, young people and will include members of Glyndebourne Youth Opera. It tells a tale of loss, friendship and finding the spark to keep going. It’s the first opera performed at Glyndebourne by composer Lucy Armstrong, a current participant of Balancing the Score – a development programme to support composers from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the world of operatic composition.

taster days

Join us for fun workshops introducing you to the story and music of Spark. The sessions will be led by Ashley Beauchamp (Music Director) and Fee Dunn (Director). At the end of the workshop you will have learnt some of the music and helped to inspire staging that could end up in the final production!

When?

There will be four workshops held across two days. You will only need to attend one workshop.

Saturday 7 February 2026, 10.00am – 12.30pm (GYO1)
Saturday 7 February 2026, 1.45pm – 4.15pm (GYO2)
Sunday 8 February 2026, 10.00am – 12.30pm (GYO1)
Sunday 8 February 2026, 1.45pm – 4.15pm (GYO2)

WHERE?

The workshops will take place at Glyndebourne. There will be chaperoned buses available from Lewes train station, if required.

Who are they for?

This workshop is for anyone aged 9-13 (GYO1) or 14-19 (GYO2) and living within a 25-mile radius of Glyndebourne who is interested in singing and performing. You don’t need to have any prior singing experience to join in, just be curious to find out more about music, movement and performing!

Please note these taster days are not open to young people who took part in the development workshops in summer 2025.

What does it cost?

All sessions are free.

Applications are open and will close on Thursday 8 January at 9.00am. Confirmation of your workshop place will be emailed on Tuesday 13 January by 5.00pm.

Apply now

Auditions for Spark will take place in February 2026, more information coming soon.