Tenor Philip Langridge Celebrated at Gala Concert by Co-Opera Co

The loss of Philip Langridge, who died of cancer in March, was felt throughout the opera world and it’s no surprise that his colleagues would want to pay tribute to this great artist. Co-Opera Co, with whom the tenor frequently worked, is holding a special Gala Night on 30 May to celebrate him and raise funds for the Philip Langridge Bursary Fund, which will go towards supporting aspiring young professionals on their Opera Course Summer Season.

The event, which takes place at the John McIntosh Arts Centre at The London Oratory School, SW6 will include contributions by Sally Burgess, Sarah Connolly, Geoffrey Dolton, Helen Field, John Graham Hall, Yvonne Howard, Justin Lavender, Mary Plazas, Richard Suart, Louise Winter and many other leading singers.

Langridge ran a number of masterclasses for Co-Opera Co. and when I interviewed him a couple of years ago, he spoke passionately of his communication teaching to young singers.

Co-Opera Co. is a training opera company dedicated to providing stimulating and challenging opportunities for young artists at the beginning of their careers through a series of workshops and a summer school. It was developed from the realisation that there are limited openings for young artists entering the operatic profession to gain experience and that with so many singing students entering the market place every year, supply is outstripping demand.

This year’s Summer season will include performances at the same venue of La bohème and The Marriage of Figaro during August.

The Philip Langridge Bursary Fund will go towards fulfilling everything that the tenor wanted to achieve to help young singers. Funding is a constant problem and the bursary will help by providing some financial help initially for Co-Opera Co. projects and eventually to assist associate members with other career related funding. The bursary will be able to give loans and discretionary grants to singers, répétiteurs and conductors.

The champagne reception on 30 May will include a promises auction with a special guest auctioneer. Tickets are priced from £25 to £50 and can be booked on 07860 305327 or www.co-opera-co.org. It promises to be a glittering evening of entertainment and a fine tribute to a much-missed artist.