About LYO
About London Youth Opera
London Youth Opera is the only opera company dedicated exclusively to staging original commissions written for and performed by young people.
Founded in 1971 as W11 Opera, we have spent more than five decades creating ambitious new work and giving young performers a central role in bringing it to life. Today, LYO brings together performers from across London.
Since 1971
Our Beginnings
W11 Children’s Opera was founded in 1971 by local parents in Notting Hill, led by music teacher Serena Hughes and conductor Nicholas Kraemer.
Their vision was to stage an opera for young people each December with a large cast of around 90 children and young people - and crucially, no adult voices.
Commissioning
A Tradition of New Opera
What makes our company unique is our commitment to commissioning new works.
To date, over 45 new operas have been commissioned from both emerging and established composers, creating a rich repertoire for young voices and large casts that is now available to schools and youth companies across the UK.
Today
LYO Today
Performers aged 9-18 come together from across London for the autumn term to rehearse an opera created exclusively for them.
Our casts have represented 26 London boroughs.
More than 2,000 young people have taken part in LYO productions, with many alumni going on to successful careers in the arts.
- 26
- London boroughs
- 2,000+
- performers
- 45+
- new operas
Our Community
LYO Alumni
Many former LYO performers have gone on to successful careers in the arts, carrying their experience of the company into their creative lives.