What happens when an opera company asks people what work they’d like to create, then they embark on a journey together to make it happen? That’s what we’re finding out in Sandwell.  

In 2026...

We are busy behind the scenes creating a work that blends the story of an amazing "Aunty" and football fans, genre-hopping with young people and hearing what opera sounds like in languages that opera has never been sung in before. All co-created with the people of Sandwell.

In 2025...

We worked in partnership with YMCA West Bromwich to explore creativity with a group of young people aged 16-25, alongside our 'Songs of Sandwell' open workshops as part of Sandwell Literature Festival. "Are you ready to be heard?" was free performance of new music and new writing, created and performed by our Songs of Sandwell Emerging Artists.

And we co-created a brand new dance piece, bringing together ME Dance Youth performers and professional composer Milicent B James and poet Sipho Eric Ndlovu. The final piece was sung by soprano and winner of Voice of Black Opera Awards Rachel Duckett and, with  Birmingham Opera Company's ensemble.

In 2024...

We launched Sandwell Creates. We teamed up with Radio Stall Public Dreaming to create a pop-up radio station in West Bromwich Indoor Markets, bringing artistic interventions, performances, workshops and music to the markets and Kings Square shopping centre. 

In 2023...

Back in 2023 we worked with Core Academy and composer Omar Shahryar to create Songs to Remember with over 120 young people in Birmingham, performed at New Street Station.

Why are we doing this?

Frank Skinner, who grew up in Oldbury is known for his passionate support of the Baggies and is a regular visitor to the area where his family still lives. Less known is his love of opera which he discovered after he’d moved to London and rented an office around the corner from the Royal Opera House.  

We asked Frank and this is what he said...

“I love the idea that Birmingham Opera Company is breaking down barriers and stereotypes in the arts by involving the diverse communities in Sandwell. Opera tells stories with words and music and I’m excited to see what Sandwell stories and music turn up. Providing all of these resources, training and events at a time when access to the arts is decreasing for young people is a real boost. I hope anyone who wants to build their confidence, have a go at performing or even dreams of making music their career takes up the opportunities on offer. 

The truth is, if this opportunity had been around when I was growing up in Sandwell, I might not have had the courage to get involved. I’d have been worried that I wouldn’t fit in or that I’d embarrass myself. Then, years later, I’d have been an adult who really regretted not being braver and finding out what I was capable of. Believe me, it’s better to risk a little bit of embarrassment than a lot of regret. Go for it’  

More about us 

Do you live in Sandwell? Take part in or lead any groups in Sandwell? We’d love to be in touch! To find out more, contact our Artist Researcher on [email protected]