About us

The National Opera Studio (NOS) is the UK’s leading opera training organisation, based in London and working in close partnership with the country’s major opera companies – English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera North, the Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera.

Each year, we select a small number of exceptional singers and repetiteurs to join our nine-month flagship programme. Their time with us is intensive, bespoke, and entirely free, designed to meet their individual vocal and artistic needs. Through world-class training and practical experience, our Young Artists leave NOS with the confidence, craft and connections to thrive on the international operatic stage.

Analysis of our alum and regular contact with our partner opera companies and industry professionals shows us that the time our Young Artists spend at the Studio often makes the single biggest difference to their future prospects as top-level solo artists. Many NOS-trained singers, such as Gerald Finley CBE, Alfie Boe OBE, Nicky Spence OBE, David Butt Philip, Susan Bullock CBE, Lesley Garrett CBE, Jean Rigby, Alice Coote and Joan Rodgers CBE, to name just a few, have gone on to build highly successful careers at an international level. Our repetiteurs are international festival directors, conductors, Artistic Directors, and are on the music and artistic staff of major companies in the UK and abroad.

We also nurture emerging talent beyond our main programme. Through our Academy, a foundational initiative for singers aged 19–25 who may have faced barriers to training, and our Short Courses, we offer valuable opportunities for singers and pianists to advance their skills and experience. We also support emerging repetiteurs, conductors, directors and stage managers through tailored opportunities. Our work with local schools helps identify and support young talent, while giving our Young Artists the rewarding experience of working with children and young people.