“Without a shadow of a doubt, BYO got me onto the young artists programme at English National Opera, and it got me an agent.”
support byo
We train hundreds of young people every year. Around half of those are singers, and the other half talented music, creative and production staff.
Our selection process is competitive, but every participant benefits from a fully-funded placement and other assistance as required. Our policy of ‘no fees’ is core to our mission: we exist to provide training and support to those demonstrating talent and potential, not only to those who can afford to pay.
However, as an arts charity, over 90% of our income comes from voluntary sources such as donations, legacies and grants, which means we need to generate over £500,000 annually through fundraising.
membership
Our friends and patrons are the backbone of BYO, why not join them?
Leave a legacy
Remember BYO in your will and keep us on stage for years to come.
our supporters
Find out who else supports our work.
adopt an artist
Sponsor one specific participant in our summer programme.
“Having been part of BYO feels like being part of a family and I would never be where I am today without that opportunity and the support I was given.”
membership
British Youth Opera’s membership schemes are a fantastic way to support young people who want to pursue a career in opera.
Our loyal friends and patrons support our work with regular donations and can enjoy a range of exciting privileges and opportunities. Membership starts from only £50/year.
join the chairman’s circle
The chairman’s circle help support every aspect of our work – from our professional standard productions to our education programmes. Membership costs from £5000 a year.
You’ll enable us to provide opportunities for young people’s potential to flourish, inspire audiences and transform lives. You’l also get behind-the-scenes insights and invitations to private events.
To find out more about joining the chairman's circle email jo@byo.org.uk.
become a patron
Our patrons really impact what we are able to achieve each year, especially with our training programmes. As a patron you’ll be more involved with our participants and learn more about them and their career ambitions. You’re invited to become a part of the special community at the heart of BYO’s work.
patron
from £1000 a year
You will be get:
An invitation to meet the Serena Fenwick programme participants
An invitation to a rehearsal (depending on the availability of a suitable rehearsal)
A personal thank you note from a Serena Fenwick programme participant
Credit in our programmes and on our website
Updates via email
A copy of our supporters' magazine
You will be redirected to the website of GoCardless, who take care of our direct debits for us. They're a widely used, safe and secure Direct Debit bureau. We'll then be in touch to welcome you.
If you'd rather pay another way - like monthly or by bank transfer, please email info@byo.org.uk.
Associate patron
from £500 a year
You will be get:
An invitation to a rehearsal (depending on the availability of a suitable rehearsal)
Credit in our programmes and on our website
Updates via email
A copy of our supporters' magazine
You will be redirected to the website of GoCardless, who take care of our direct debits for us. They're a widely used, safe and secure Direct Debit bureau. We'll then be in touch to welcome you.
If you'd rather pay another way - like monthly or by bank transfer, please email info@byo.org.uk.
become a friend
Help young people build careers in opera as a core supporter. You’ll be credited in our programmes and on our website and you’ll get our regular supporter updates via email and physical copies of our supporters’ magazine.
gold friend
from £240 a year
As a gold friend you'll also be invited to an exclusive drinks reception.
You will be redirected to the website of GoCardless, who take care of our direct debits for us. They're a widely used, safe and secure Direct Debit bureau. We'll then be in touch to welcome you.
Click here to pay by a monthly £20 direct debit.
silver friend
from £120 a year
You will be redirected to the website of GoCardless, who take care of our direct debits for us. They're a widely used, safe and secure Direct Debit bureau. We'll then be in touch to welcome you.
Click here to pay by a monthly £10 direct debit.
bronze friend
from £50 a year
You will be redirected to the website of GoCardless, who take care of our direct debits for us. They're a widely used, safe and secure Direct Debit bureau. We'll then be in touch to welcome you.
adopt a singer
With a donation of £1,000 you can help cover the cost of one young artist or trainee position during the summer season.
Your support will establish a personal connection with one member of our cast, artistic team or backstage crew who you’ll be helping build a career in opera. You’ll also get an insight into the casting process and a sneak peek at our 2021 cast.
Email development@byo.org.uk for details of how to adopt a young artist.
leave a legacy
By remembering British Youth Opera in your Will you can help to ensure that young people continue to fulfil their dreams by launching successful careers in the challenging world of professional opera.
Your gift will ensure the highest standards of training and development are available for young artists and professionals - and that the UK remains a home for world-class opera for generations to come.
Legacies can be made by way of a gift of cash, shares or property and your solicitor can advise you on writing your will. If you have already written your will, you can simply add a Codicil.