Persona Arts

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Persona Arts, Birmingham.

We stage high quality opera, classical and choral music workshops, performances and productions

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

16/07/2024

Our royally endorsed Flying Dutchman production is now over! 😢 Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

We would like to put at huge oversight right, and highlight talented librettist of our Mami Wata commission, N'gadie Roberts Find out more about her work on

Author, Writing Consultant

12/07/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Byron Jackson, our esteemed artistic director, has been honoured with a letter from His Majesty The King, extending his congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Flying Dutchman for their outstanding performance at The Birmingham Conservatoire!

This is your last chance to experience the show that has earned royal recognition. Join us for our final performance on Saturday, 13th July at 7 PM. Make sure to grab your tickets soon before it's too late 🎟️ ✨ 🙋🏾🌊💕🌟🎶🎭

The Royal Family
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Arts Council England

Tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

10/07/2024

Thank you to David from the Birmingham Festival Choral Society for reviewing opening night!

There are still a few tickets left for this evening's performance. If you'd prefer to watch "a remarkable and no-to-be-forgotten" show instead of the footy (👀🙋🏾⚽️🤷🏾‍♀️), come through!

Tickets: https://lnkd.in/eaGQtquK

10/07/2024

This Birmingham production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman aims to make opera accessible to people who may not necessarily think of themselves as an opera fan. By choosing Wagner’s tale of the torme...

09/07/2024

The reviews are in! Only 2 more performances 10 & 13 July! Catch it while you can!

Tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

Read more:
https://www.whatsonlive.co.uk/birmingham/news/review-the-flying-dutchman/59213

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/82KrMWp5fjitJCQH/

08/07/2024

07/07/2024

07/07/2024

Congratulations to Central England Camerata, Persona Arts, Byron Jackson and Jack Ridley for an excellent Open Dress rehearsal this afternoon of Wagner's Flying Dutchman at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Standing ovation!
Tickets still available for the remaining performances - Wednesday 10th July and Saturday 13th July :
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/book

06/07/2024

Tomorrow is the night! The Flying Dutchman sets sail for Birmingham's Bradshaw Hall!

Will the Dutchman find redemption? Be there to witness the drama unfold!

Tickets selling out FAST: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

05/07/2024

The magic of opera arrives in Birmingham in just TWO DAYS!

Experience the vision of Byron Jackson, Birmingham's own opera star, and the talent of the Central England Camerata.

Last chance for tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

04/07/2024

⏳ Time is running out to witness Persona Arts' reimagining of The Flying Dutchman!

This powerful production boasts a vibrant community chorus and a stellar cast.

Don't miss your chance: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

03/07/2024

Birmingham, are you ready for a groundbreaking opera experience?

✨ The Flying Dutchman arrives in just 4 days! Witness a diverse cast and a stunning production, with stage direction by Iqbal Khan (Artistic Director of Commonwealth Games 2022)!

Tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

03/07/2024

A huge thank you to Birmingham What's On for the two-page spread on The Flying Dutchman in July's Issue 🎶 ❤️ 🌊💥

We can't believe how close we're getting to opening night. Have you gotten your tickets yet?

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

02/07/2024

Rehearsals are at a fever pitch! Just 5 days until The Flying Dutchman takes flight at Birmingham's Bradshaw Hall!

Don't miss a captivating new commission by Bobbie-Jane Gardner alongside Wagner's iconic score.

Secure your seats: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

01/07/2024

🌟 Cast Intros for The Flying Dutchman 🌟

🎭 Meet the talented artists bringing Wagner's The Flying Dutchman to life at The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 7-13 July 2024! 🎶

Byron Jackson - Holländer/Dutchman
A dramatic baritone from Birmingham, Byron Jackson has wowed audiences with roles like Monterone in Rigoletto and Donner in Das Rheingold. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Byron's work spans the UK, Europe, and Australia, with notable debuts at English National Opera and Dutch National Opera.

Gerrit Paul Groen - Daland
British-American dramatic bass Gerrit Paul Groen has a distinguished career, with roles including Hunding in the Regents Opera Ring Cycle and König Marke in Tristan und Isolde. He has performed with Welsh National Opera, Opera North, and New York City Opera, showcasing his versatile talent.

Mari Wyn Williams - Senta
Welsh dramatic soprano Mari Wyn Williams brings her stunning voice to the role of Senta. A graduate of The Wales International Academy of Voice, Mari has performed roles such as Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes and the title role in Tosca. She has also covered major roles for English National Opera, including Brünnhilde in The Valkyrie.

Laura Woods - Mary
Award-winning mezzo-soprano Laura Woods is known for her powerful performances in roles like Flora in La Traviata and Polina in The Queen of Spades. An alumna of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Laura has sung with English National Opera and Opera Holland Park, receiving acclaim for her versatility and vocal prowess.

Christian Joel - Steuermann
Trinidadian tenor Christian Joel is an emerging star, known for his roles in contemporary opera and French repertoire. He has performed with Welsh National Opera and recently sang the title role in Handel's Orlando at Buxton International Festival. Christian is also the tenor voice behind Google's popular Blob Opera program.

Anando Mukerjee - Erik
Hailed as "India’s finest tenor" (The Statesman), Anando Mukerjee brings his powerful voice and international acclaim to the role of Erik. With a rich background in zoology and vocal studies, Anando has performed across the globe, including Rodolfo in La Bohème and Don José in Carmen. He's also a trustee of Instant Opera and has been featured on BBC Radio 3.

Don't miss this extraordinary production! 🎟️

📅 Dates: 7-13 July 2024
📍 Venue: The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
🔗 Tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

30/06/2024

The cursed captain sets sail for Birmingham in just ONE WEEK! Will true love break the spell?

Witness history with Persona Arts' groundbreaking, ethnically-diverse production of Wagner's masterpiece.

Tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

28/06/2024

🎶⛵RBC alumnus Byron Jackson FRSA leads an all-star cast in Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman–Der fliegende Holländer–this July in our Bradshaw Hall!⛵️🎶

Persona Arts presents the German language opera, The Flying Dutchman. Condemned to roam the seas for defying God, the Flying Dutchman is cast ashore. Both man and ship can only seek redemption if true love can break the curse.

Featuring some of the UK’s finest Commonwealth opera singers, the Birmingham Choral Union, a commissioned work by renowned composer Bobbie-Jane Gardner, community youth choruses and the Central England Camerata under the baton of Jack Ridley.

This unique and diverse community production will be staged by the Artistic Director of the Commonwealth Games 2022 ceremony, Iqbal Khan, a formidable talent in the world of opera and theatre.

🗓7 Jul 2:00pm - 5:00pm - public dress rehearsal🗓
🗓10 Jul 7:00pm - 10:00pm🗓
🗓13 Jul 7:00pm - 10:00pm🗓

Book your tickets here: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

27/06/2024

Join us at The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 7-13 July 2024, for an extraordinary production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, directed by some of the most talented artists in the industry. Here's a spotlight on some of our incredible creative team:

🎶🌟🎭✨ 🎶🌟🎭✨🎶🌟🎭✨🎶🌟🎭✨🎶🌟

Iqbal Khan is an acclaimed opera and theatre director, currently serving as associate director at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He was the Artistic Director of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony 2022. Iqbal, a British Pakistani from Small Heath, Birmingham, has directed numerous notable productions, including Othello at the RSC and Much Ado About Nothing for the World Shakespeare Festival. His innovative work spans theatre and opera, challenging conventions and celebrating diversity.

Dewi Beryl Johnson is an opera and theatre director from Birmingham, trained at The Drama Centre London. He specializes in Restoration Theatre & 18th Century Comedy of Manners. As the founder and Artistic Director of Foppish Theatre, Dewi is known for bringing lesser-known classics to life and engaging audiences through educational workshops. His directing credits include Playhouse Creatures and Nell Gwynn.

Jack Ridley is a versatile conductor and pianist based in London, making his Glyndebourne Festival debut in 2023. Known for his eagerness to blend different art forms, Jack recently conducted Rory Pilgrim’s RAFTS, nominated for the 2023 Turner Prize. He is also the Principal Conductor of the London Touring Orchestra and a passionate advocate for music’s role in education and society.

Don't miss out on experiencing this ambitious production live. Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable journey with The Flying Dutchman. 🎟️

📅 Dates: 7-13 July 2024
📍 Venue: The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
🔗 Tickets: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

24/06/2024

FIRST LOOK!
The Flying Dutchman! grab yourself some tickets!
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/.../events.../the-flying-dutchman
🚢🪈💕🎻🌊🪩🎵⚡️🎶🥁🎺🎷🎉

Condemned to roam the seas for having defied God, the Flying Dutchman is cast ashore. Both man and ship can only seek redemption if true love can break the curse.
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire alumnus Byron Jackson FRSA leads an all-star cast of some of the UK’s finest opera singers and features the Birmingham Choral Union, a commissioned work by renowned composer Bobbie-Jane Gardner, community youth choruses and the Central England Camerata under the baton of Jack Ridley

This unique and diverse community production will be staged by the Artistic Director of the Commonwealth Games 2022 ceremony, Iqbal Khan, a formidable talent in the world of opera and theatre.

Photo's by Sorrel Price Photography

21/06/2024

At Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman 1st Sitzprobe 💕 PPersona Arts

19/06/2024

The Flying Dutchman lands in Birmingham this July, and it's unlike anything you've seen before!

Persona Arts brings Wagner's masterpiece to life with a diverse cast, a powerful new commission, and a community chorus ✨

7, 10, 13 July tix selling fast: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman

15/06/2024

Rehearsals are in full swing for The Flying Dutchman! More behind the scenes shots will be shared soon, in the meantime, grab yourself some tickets!

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/events-calendar/the-flying-dutchman
🚢🪈💕🎻🌊🪩🎵⚡️🎶🥁🎺🎷🎉

Condemned to roam the seas for having defied God, the Flying Dutchman is cast ashore. Both man and ship can only seek redemption if true love can break the curse.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire alumnus Byron Jackson FRSA leads an all-star cast of some of the UK’s finest opera singers and features the Birmingham Choral Union, a commissioned work by renowned composer Bobbie-Jane Gardner, community youth choruses and the Central England Camerata under the baton of Jack Ridley

This unique and diverse community production will be staged by the Artistic Director of the Commonwealth Games 2022 ceremony, Iqbal Khan, a formidable talent in the world of opera and theatre.

02/05/2023

“Get your opera brain working by taking part in our opera quiz what-do-you-think-about-opera to win 2 tickets to one of our future events. The prize includes the best seats in the venue along with the event programme for you and your guest.

We have extended the closing date of the quiz to 23 June 2023 so there is no excuse. Ask your family and friends to enter, or better still, forward this email to them.

Good luck!

www.personaarts.org.uk/what-do-you-think-about-opera”

18/03/2023

13/03/2023

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the Arts Council England which will allow us to fulfil our next major project - 'The Flying Dutchman 2022 - 2024'.

In collaboration with Birmingham Choral Union, Birmingham Opera Company and the Central England Camerata our Richard Wagner’s Flying Dutchman project will take place at venues in Handsworth, Moseley, Small Heath and finally staged performances in July 2024 at Birmingham’s City Centre, the Bradshaw Hall (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire).

Tickets for the Bradshaw Hall performances will be available from late spring 2023.

Further detailed information will appear on our website!

10/03/2023

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the Arts Council England which will allow us to fulfil our next major project - 'The Flying Dutchman 2022 - 2024'.

Further detailed information will appear on our website http://personaarts.org.uk

18/02/2023

Take part in our 1st online opera quiz to win 2 tickets to one of our future events.

To include the best seats in the venue along with the event programme for you and your guest included.

The quiz will be available from 20 February to 21 May 2023.

Please forward to all your contacts!!

02/09/2022

Persona Arts still requires your help in achieving our aims of producing and giving access to high quality opera and choral arts projects for diverse West Midlands communities.

Every penny is needed to realise this!
Please donate what you can to make this happen!!

Visit: https://gofund.me/a772118c

Address

Birmingham

Website

http://www.personaarts.org.uk/

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Music in the Community

We are an arts organization who stage inclusive and high-quality performances and productions in and around Birmingham and the West Midlands. Our aim is to encourage cross-genre collaboration and inspire audiences across a wide and diverse demographic by providing high-quality performances and participatory workshops in local halls, schools, and places of worship.

We were created in 2008 as a not-for-profit initiative to bring opera as an art form to the people of Birmingham in their communities. Our co-founders Byron Jackson and Amanda Doyle recognized that there was a need for audience development in local communities. Since then we have held dozens of events across Birmingham, including ‘come and sing’ workshops, opera gala concerts, solo recitals and live music nights, hosted by some of the country’s top performers.