We're massively excited to be partnering with Streetwise Opera and Opera North for Reimagining The Classics, an ambitious new project for 2025-2026.

Streetwise Opera enables people who’ve experienced homelessness to find inspiration and empowerment while they rebuild their lives and identities.

Streetwise Opera performers have been collaborating with leading composers and directors to reimagine two iconic operas: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. The performers have been creating bold new works of music inspired by these masterpieces, which will be performed alongside major productions by English Touring Opera and Opera North in Nottingham, Manchester and London in Spring 2026.

At its heart, the project invites audiences to experience opera through a new lens, seeing familiar stories that have been altered to adhere to society’s ever-changing landscape.

"One of the great joys of opera is that it is continually evolving as people discover it and recognise their own experiences," shares ETO Artistic Director and CEO Robin Norton-Hale. "As an organisation, we are passionate about spotlighting these fresh perspectives and celebrating opera in all its forms."

Martin Constantine, Artistic Director of Streetwise Opera shares, "After a challenging year, we're delighted to work on a project that reminds us that opera can be a force for social justice. It's an honour to share this journey alongside our amazing partners at Opera North and English Touring Opera, whose artistry and commitment inspire our performers as they create bold new visions of these iconic works."

Experience Reimagining the Classics

In London, the weekly Streetwise group at St John’s Waterloo is working with composer Francesca Le Lohé and director Anna Morrissey, creating music inspired by English Touring Opera’s production of Pagliacci. Composer Electra Perivolaris is collaborating with clients of The Connection at St Martin’s, a day support centre in central London, to co-create a special part of the performance. This work will premiere on 10 April 2026 at Hackney Empire, alongside English Touring Opera’s Pagliacci.

Additionally, the Streetwise Opera groups at Nottingham Playhouse and Manchester Central Library will share productions of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro on 7 March (Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall) and 15 March (The Lowry), as part of full event days including Opera North's The Marriage of Figaro.

Through Reimagining The Classics, participants have explored fresh ways to express themselves. They have gained confidence and inspiration by developing bold new interpretations of the operas, and have formed lasting connections through the group sessions. In doing so, they bring nuanced perspectives to an art form that has too often overlooked their voices.