Opera in the Orchard Rules and Objectives

As this is an informal organisation activated by family and friends we do not have a formal constitution

• The objective of "Opera in the Orchard" is to produce opera of high professional standard at a seat cost that would enable people who would not normally go to the opera to attend; in other words the seat cost should be of the same order of magnitude as the local cinema.
• Our aim is to make available the opportunity for ALL to experience the art of opera, to bring a high quality classical opera performance to a rural community of Essex. We hope that by bringing high quality opera to our rural community, the experience will lead to an increase in knowledge and a better appreciation for the art form.
• The volunteers on the project will experience first hand skills and knowledge required to produce such a performance. Potentially more volunteers could become involved in similar projects and individual skills could be utilised for encouraging others to get involved.
• The limitations imposed on residents within our district because of the isolation suffered due to our rural location means that opportunities such as ‘Opera in the Orchard’ are restricted by high cost. This project is unique and increases community participation.
• We hope to bring the pure enjoyment of music and share this experience with a wider spectrum of our community who through either isolation or financial reasons lack the opportunity to experience this wonderful art.
• This year we are proposing to put on Don Pasquale, produced by “First Act Opera.” By the involvement of the students at Plume School, Maldon, Essex we are realising our objective of enabling younger members of the community to enjoy opera as an art form.
• We have managed to do this for the last 2 years and we have the same objective this year. The seat prices are deliberately set low so as to encourage a wide participation from the people living round about. We do not spend any money on capital equipment and we make no financial profit for ourselves.
• Personnel who donate their own time are from the community of Wickham Bishops, The Scouts, family and friends.

Robbie Bishop

Tel: 01621 894112

Email: robbio@tiscali.co.uk