Opera Holland Park is a summer opera company which produces an annual season of opera performances under a temporary canopy in Holland Park (to the west of Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. The venue is fully covered but is open at the sides.

As part of a drive to improve artistic standards "Opera Holland Park" was established in 1996 to produce all future productions, and in recent years the company has enjoyed a long string of hits with major achievements in productions of more obscure repertoire. It is now considered one of the most accomplished non-state opera companies in the UK. The resident orchestra is the City of London Sinfonia.

For the 2007 season, the theatre was expanded by the addition of a spectacular new canopy underneath which is new seating and other improved facilities. There are now 1,000 seats.

Each season around half a dozen operas are staged. Most of them are well known classics but the company has developed a reputation for producing works from the verismo repertoire and a very adventurous production policy. There are nearly fifty performances in the season. They are sung in the original language and surtitling is used.

The venue and company are famed for a warm informality coupled with serious artistic intent and dedication. Pricing is determinedly accessible and the company even has a "Free Tickets for young people" scheme that offers 1200 free seats to people aged between 9 and 18 years old. All of these tickets are for normal performances, not rehearsals. In addition for the 2009 season, 5,000 seats were available at just £10 and 440 subsidised tickets for older audiences on a low income.

It's operated by the local council and it has be said, they've made every effort to open their artform to a new audience, without any dumbing-down in evidence. A highly creditable scheme which deserves more press coverage than it currently receives.

The Holland Park Theatre is situated in the middle of Holland Park. Entrance to the park is via Ilchester Place Gate, Abbotsbury Road Car Park, The Duchess of Bedford Gate or from Holland Walk and Holland Park Avenue. Central Library, Phillimore Walk, London, W8 7RX

Call:    0845 230 9769