CUOS: Cambridge University Opera Society

🎭 CUOS Michaelmas Show 2026 - Applications Open! 🎭

Got a vision for an opera you'd love to stage? The Michaelmas Show gives you full creative freedom to choose your own show and venue - past productions have ranged from Handel and Purcell to hidden gems and contemporary works.

Pitch as a team with a Director, Musical Director, Producer and Technical Director, and bring your show to life on 27th–28th November 🎶

📩 Applications: full pitch as PDF to [email protected]
⏰ Deadline: 5pm, Sunday 30th August 2026

🔗 Full application info in our Linktree — link in bio!

🎹 CUOS is looking for a Répétiteur for 2026-27! 🎹

A brilliant opportunity for pianists and accompanists to get hands-on experience at the heart of opera production. You'll accompany singers in rehearsals, work with student conductors, and collaborate with professional mentors at guest workshops and masterclasses across the year's projects.

📩 Applications: musical CV + 300-word statement + short performance video to [email protected]
⏰ Deadline: 7th September

🔗 Full pack in our Linktree — link in bio!

MEET THE COMMITTEE 2026-27

CUOS PRESIDENT: James Gooding

James is a bass whose most memorable operatic experience was seeing Bizet's Carmen at the Bristol Hippodrome, where he first fell in love with opera!

MEET THE COMMITTEE 2026-27

VICE PRESIDENT: Florence Price

Florence is a Soprano whose most memorable operatic experience was seeing Götterdämmerung as a child and munching on fruit pastels to keep up energy levels for the four hour lock-in!

MEET THE COMMITTEE 2026-27

ENRICHMENT OFFICER: Eve Doyle

Eve is an alto who recently sang Frau Reich in the CUOS production of the Merry Wives of Windsor!

MEET THE COMMITTEE 2026-27

PRODUCTION MANAGER: Adrianna Forbes-Dorant

Adrianna is an alto whose most memorable musical experience was playing the role of Flora in Britten's The Turn of the Screw in Garsington Opera!

MEET THE COMMITTEE 2026-27

PUBLICITY OFFICER: Toby Elms

Toby's most memorable musical experience was seeing Verdi's Requiem conducted by Riccardo Muti in 2025!

We're delighted to announce that James Gooding will be CUOS' President for 2026-7! James is a current MPhil specialising in New Zealand choral music at St John's College, and will be joining the Gents as a Choral Graduate next academic year. He has recently performed the role of Lawrence Bragg in CUOS' Easter Term Show, 'Rosalind', and has been heavily involved with the Cambridge music scene throughout the year. We look forward to having him on board, for what promises to be another exciting season of Cambridge opera. 🎼

‘How Much Land Does a Man Need?’ – Eoin Jenkins 🚷

Here are some photos from our third and final opera of CUOS Shorts 2026: a haunting biblical parable about excessive greed, based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy. Come along at 8pm to discover why you should think twice before bargaining with the Devil…

Photographs courtesy of the wonderful !

‘The Second Death’ – Zane Soonawalla ⚰️

Here are a few snaps from the first of our CUOS Shorts 2026: a tense psychological drama arising from a tumultuous funeral. Come along at 8pm to find out why these members of the congregation are so uneasy…

Photographs courtesy of the wonderful !

Big news: applications are now open to join the CUOS Junior Committee for 2026-7! Committee members have the opportunity to select CUOS' annual programme of shows, network with student creatives across the university, gain all-important experience in arts administration, and contribute to the maintenance of one of Cambridge's most long-established student societies.

We're currently looking for the following roles: President, Vice President, Production Manager, Publicity Manager, and one or more Enrichment Officers. More information about these roles can be found via the link in our bio, or via the CUOS website.

The deadline for expressions of interest, which should be sent to Livia at [email protected], is 5pm on Friday 13th March. No prior experience in opera is required. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fancy playing for a highly anticipated student premiere? We're now looking for an orchestra for Rosalind, our Easter Term Show 2026! Please contact Thomas ([email protected]) before 9pm on Sunday 8th March to express your interest. See the application pack in our bio for more information on the instruments and time commitment required.

CUOS Mainshow Poster!

Three weeks to go! Get your tickets using the link in the bio!

Thanks to Harry Mackenzie Ashley for the fantastic poster!

See you there!

Our Mainshow is looking for a tenor to play the role of Fenton.

Anna and Fenton are desperately in love despite Anna's parents wanting her to marry almost anyone but him! But she has a cunning plan to trick her suitors, defy her parents, and marry the man of her dreams.

Although Fenton is the tenor lead, it is not an overly large or demanding part - with one small aria and a couple of duets. The range required is from the E below middle C to the A above middle C.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in CUOS this term. Not to be missed!

Please contact [email protected] for more information.