In a new approach for the Opus, an artist in residence has been engaged to put together the line-up. British composer and pianist Oliver Pool said “I am truly thrilled and honoured to welcome six incredible, inspirational and internationally renowned acts this year.” Pool has performed all over the world and collaborates regularity with internationally renowned musicians, artists and writers.

The season begins on 9th June with British Soprano Carly Paoli, who has performed with a diverse variety of stars including Jose Carreras, Elaine Page and Steven Tyler.  Iranian tenor, Ramtin Ghazavi, known as much for the unlikely story of his success as his awe-inspiring performances, will perform a mixture of operatic classics and Persian repertoire. Russia/American cellist and composer Nina Kotova rounds the season off later in the year. Kotova has been dubbed ‘one of the greatest instrumentalists of her generation’. Each of these performers will be accompanied by Oliver Pool on the Phoenix Opus, the venue’s specially made and highly technically advanced piano.

This piano will also be taken for a spin by virtuoso pianists Pedro Gomes of Portugal and Marcelo Bratke, a household name in his home country of Brazil for his orchestra Camerata Brasil Orchestra which fuses classical and popular young musicians from Brazil’s shanty towns. Blato Zlato (which translates as Swamp Gold) is a New Orleans-based Balkan band that brings together influences from these diverse geographical locations.

• This season runs from June until October.
• For more information and to book tickets go to www.opustheatre.co.uk

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