Help us commission the classics of the future

At Shadwell, we believe that the future of opera relies on commissioning new voices, and we want to include you in that quest.

Introducing: Future Classics. A project that looks backwards at the history of opera in order to support the voices of the future. For most of opera's history, commissioning has been controlled by an elite few. Future Classics opens up the opportunity to be a producer to everyone: claim an opera from the past 426 years by donating any amount from just £1 to £428, with all funds going directly into creating brand new opera that speaks to our time.

Over the next 4 years we want to commission 3 operas.

How it works

Explore our bespoke opera timeline that tells the story of opera through a commisison for each year. Find your favourite work or composer, or simply choose something that appeals. If you claim a year and donate, your name will appear on the timeline, and you'll be listed as one of the commissioners of the new work we want to create. It doesn't matter if you can give £5 or £400 - by donating you will be helping to commisison the classics of the future.