EDUCATION
Since we first started with our opera performances in 2013, Nevill Holt has had a clear mission: to inspire and enhance the lives of young people through the transformative power of music and the Arts. Over the years, we have remained committed to this mission, whilst broadening our focus to improve accessibility and involvement in the festival.
Schools & Community
In 2024, our educational initiatives provided creative opportunities for more than 2,000 young people from our neighbouring villages and the local area. Many young people have enjoyed free festival performances, school workshops, stage appearances, and singing lessons.
We provide free school performance tickets, conduct in-school workshops, offer stage opportunities for local youth, and provide individual singing lessons to help unlock creative potential. Our catering team has partnered with local culinary colleges to involve volunteer students in the preparation and running of our food and drink. In 2024, we welcomed a number of young people with special educational needs and learning disabilities to our team.
Studying arts subjects enhances employability, and access to culture greatly impacts youth wellbeing. Engaging young people through music and creativity is vital today.
YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAMME
Since 2013, we’ve collaborated with over 160 young singers, giving them vital experience in a professional opera company. We’re dedicated to casting young talent for important debuts. We focus on emerging artists, whether they’re still in music college or breaking into the opera scene. Our commitment has led to future stars gracing the stages of the Royal Opera House, English National Opera and other leading institutions around the world.
Festival 2024
Last year, over 1,500 primary school children performed a 50-minute version of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel in theatres across the region with sopranos Fiona Finsbury and Eleanor Sanderson-Nash, directed by Jonathan Ainscough and conducted by Simon Toyne. Their final performance took place at Nevill Holt.
We were delighted to welcome the music scholars of Northampton’s Malcolm Arnold Academy, who presented a chamber music concert in the atmospheric surroundings of the chapel, accompanied by Jem Lowther and Jamie Milburn. The Big Band of Malcolm Arnold Academy was led by jazz artist Jamie Glew-Osborn in a programme of jazz standards and big band classics.