Opera Worcester (formerly Great Witley Operatic Society) has its origins in the Worcestershire village of Great Witley.  This long-established company now attracts singers from all over Worcestershire and from as far afield as Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Wales.

It’s annual production has taken place at the Swan Theatre in Worcester. These productions are well received and critically acclaimed.

Opera Worcester’s repertoire is varied but now includes Opera, as well as musicals and light opera. It also performs concerts in the summer, providing more opportunities for members to take part and also to raise money for charities.

Opera Worcester rehearses on Monday evenings in St Marks Church Hall, Bath Road, Worcester, WR5 3DW. Rehearsals run from 7:30pm  to 10.00pm, with an additional night for principal rehearsals. All members are invited to audition for principal roles for each production.

The name Great Witley Operatic Society (GWOS) originates from the name of the village in West Worcestershire where a few Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts and amateur singers gathered to entertain themselves and their community first in 1952 in the tiny village hall, and later at Abberley and Martley, before moving to the Swan in 1965. To find out more about the background of the society please visit our History page.

Great Witley Operatic Society has always enjoyed a reputation as a friendly and welcoming society that encourages its members to develop their individual singing and acting abilities.  The society decided to introduce more opera into its repertoire.

This move heralds a bold and ambitious step forward in the history of the society. It remains committed to providing high quality productions, wants to build its membership by offering new and varied challenges for its singers and performers, and build new audiences while continuing to entertain and retain its established and very valued following.

There are many other opportunities, apart from singing and acting, for members to contribute their skills to the many and varied tasks that are essential to the successful production of a show. These include wardrobe, make-up, back stage, scenery and front of house activities. To find out how you can get involved, visit our Membership page.

Rehearsals for our next production are on-going. Challenge yourself! Why not join us and be part of our exciting next production? To find out more go to our Membership page.

Opera Worcester is pleased to provide small groups of soloists and/or our Opera Worcester chorus for entertainment at events or to support local fundraising activities for charities.

Sometimes a small charge is made to cover rehearsal expenses. For further information, please contact Caroline Causier at info@operaworcester.uk