Reviews
This truly unique enterprise, in London’s Bloomsbury Theatre, receives impressive national press coverage and has become something of a highlight in the music media, including BBC Radio 3. Included below are some reviews from past productions:
“Camacho’s Wedding” by Mendelssohn (2007)
“The entire company carries it off brilliantly, while conductor Charles Peebles gives it musical energy and precision from the pit.” George Hall, The Stage
“There is unquestionably a need for a company such as this on London’s operatic scene; they continue to fly the flag for works which would not otherwise be performed, and are almost unique in offering these obscure works in staged performance rather than in concert.” Ruth Elleson, Opera Today
“Whittington” by Offenbach (2005)
“Best of all was the student chorus: Offenbach gives them plenty to do and their lusty response to the challenge gave the performance its fizz.” Rupert Christiansen, The Daily Telegraph
“It has no music faculty but each year UCL puts together an opera (professional leads, amateur chorus and orchestra) whose ambition is repaid with a performance beyond spirited.” Robert Thicknesse, The Times
“They certainly relaunched this corker of a score with panache” George Hall, The Observer
“Vanda” by Dvorak (2004)
“All credit, then, to University College Opera for presenting the British premiere of “Vanda”, and making a huge success of it…The jewel in the University College Opera's crown is its student chorus" Andrew Clark, Financial Times
“The sheer energy and commitment of the UCO orchestra, robustly directed by Charles Peebles, and the valour of student cameos such as Josie Eccles’s witch Homena and Hal Brindley’s Herald well rewarded a packed house.” Hilary Finch, The Times
“It was Charles Peebles and the University College orchestra and large chorus which made this well-driven, virtually uncut UK premiere so memorable…This dedicated ensemble showed musicianship in abundance.” Rodney Bennett, Opera Now