support
We can’t overstate how important our supporters are to BYO. We have a ‘no fees’ policy for participants – everybody benefits from a fully-funded place with extra support where necessary. We provide training to those showing potential, not only to those who can afford to pay.
Make a donation
Even a small token of support can help provide young singers, directors, designers, stage managers and more with a stable and flourishing career in the UK opera world.
chairman’s circle
As some of our most most valued philanthropists, 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.
The chairman’s circle brings you to the very heart of BYO – you’ll enable us to provide opportunities for young people’s potential to flourish, inspire audiences and transform lives. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes insights and invitations to exclusive private events, reception and dinners.
To find out more about joining the chairman's circle email development@byo.org.uk.
Benefits include:
Acknowledgement online and in programmes (or anonymous if prefered)
Personalised support from our development team
An annual chairman’s circle lunch or dinner, with special invited guests from our creative programmes who can provide insight into their process
A pair of complimentary tickets to our summer season
Unrivaled access to our participants and exclusive events
“Without a shadow of a doubt, BYO got me onto the young artists programme at English National Opera, and it got me an agent.”
— Victoria Simmonds, Mezzo-Soprano (1999)
patrons
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, get a personal thank you note from a participant and invitations to see studio sessions in action.
associate patron
From £500 a year, come and see studio sessions in action.
“I often felt marginalised and excluded, like people with my background didn’t really have a chance. I now actually believe I have the chance to be a part of this industry.”
– Serena Fenwick programme participant
friends
Help young people build careers in opera as a core supporter. You’ll be credited in our programmes, get our regular supporter updates via email, as well as priority booking and exclusive invitations to behind-the-scenes events.
gold friend
From £240 a year (or £20 a month)
silver friend
From £120 a year (or £10 a month)
bronze friend
From £50 a year
“British Youth Opera is unique in offering essential experience to the most promising talent from our music colleges”
— Paul Wingfield – Head of Vocal & Operatic Studies, Birmingham Conservatoire
leave a legacy
By remembering BYO in your will you can help build the future careers of hundreds of young people in the challenging world of professional opera.
Previous legacies have helped produce our summer and Serena Fenwick programmes. A gift in your will can make sure the highest standards of training and development are available for young professionals and that the UK remains a home for world-class opera for generations to come.
If you’ve decided to leave us a gift in your will we’d love to hear from you – both to recognise this and talk to you about how you might like to be involved with BYO or what inspired you to leave a gift. Email development@byo.org.uk and we’ll be in touch.