Hi to all
I have recently started having singing lessons, as I have been a closet opera fan since I was a child. I would sit for hours listening to Mario Lanza.
I was just wondering if anyone knew of an amatuer opera company I could join, as they all now seem to do musicals or the odd operrata. Forgot to mention I live in Newport, Gwent

Hiya Lanzafan, and welcome to the forum

Assuming the Newport Amateur Operatic Society has gone over to musical theatre rather than opera, does your teacher know of anywhere else? I know Newport fairly well, and for a car driver it wouldn't be too difficult to get over to, say, Bristol Amateur Operatic Society, and you may find that you need to travel as the opportunities seem to be few and far between. Having said that, I don't know whether the Bristol society has gone over to musical theatre instead of opera as well. Another route might be to give Welsh National Opera a call and ask if they have a Community or Education department - they might be able to give you some leads to follow up.

Sorry I can't be of more help, and I hope your search is successful in the end.

Thanks Skylark
I am just in the process of joining Newport Operatic Society, they seem a really enthusiastic and friendly bunch, and i'm sure I will learn a lot from them. We are hoping to do the Mikado later this year. Just wanted some extra opera experience, as I need all the help I can get. Bristol is a little too far, but many thanks again for the info.

That sounds great - let us all know when it is and some of us may be able to get to it Although I live in Leeds, I have family in Newport and visit from time to time - if it coincides, I'd love to come along, particularly to see the Mikado which is great fun

Hi Skylark
We are doing a musical revue at the end of April in the Dolman theatre, if your in Newport come and see us.

Thanks for letting me know - I'll PM you