All our work explores the epic power of opera here and now, with the people of Birmingham. Over two years, Brum Commissions saw 10 new mini-operas telling stories of Birmingham.

In 2023-24, we worked with four creative teams and 24 artists to produce Four Notes to the City - you can see the full programme, including the full team of 24 artists, click here.

RE-WIRE - Brum Commissions 2025-6

After the success of our 2023-4 Brum Commissions supported by PRS Foundation, we commissioned 6 new Brum Commissions, and presented them altogether as our show RE-WIRE in April 2026.

Curated by Melly Still, and led by Creative Director Jonny Danciger, three directors (Harriet Taylor, Lucy Bird & Finn Lacey) each directed two operas each. Six soloists worked with project music director Harry Lai alongside percussion, cello, piano, drums, electric guitar and keyboard to bring the Brum Commissions to life - all in a transformed former factory at The Forum in Digbeth.

Mothers by Aidan Teplitzky celebrated and mourned lost legendary Erdington rock venue Mothers; Romarna Campbell asked @ "If you had one chance to be the voice of Birmingham, what would you say that needs to be heard?" in her operaThe Quiet Rebellion Continues; We met The Pedlars in Cause and Effect by Franki Dodwell - a First World War troupe inviting you to join the ranks but it's not all so cheerful as it first seems... ; In From Mumsnet with Love Georgia Barnes told the unlikely story of a mum who stumbles across a spy job online; With real voices and no filter, Leon Clowes' commission was all about the fathers who shaped us- or didn’t - in Absent Fathers; and the sixth commission by Aaron Nihal King; & Sam Norman closed RE-WIRE with a pensive one last shift at the UK’s oldest working cinema, Electric.

Read more about RE-WIRE or read The Times' review here (paywall).

Photos: Adam Fradgley

4 Notes to the City - Brum Commissions 2023-4

the heart must weather what the heart was made to take -

Cassie Kinoshi (composer) and lydia luke (librettist)

From Tulip to Orchid (with love) - Michael Taplin (composer) and Gareth Mattey (librettist)

Conflict in Numbers by Ryan Morgan ( composer)

Birmingham Opera Company gratefully acknowledges support of Brum Commissions 2023-24 from PRS Foundation.

Brum Commissions is supported by the PRS Foundation’s The Open Fund