***Update 6 Aug 2020***

We're halfway there!

Thanks to the amazing support we've received so far, this week we were able to award our first round of grants to Opera Awards Foundation artists who have been struggling financially due to the pandemic. We're already seeing what a difference this money can make - both by providing a financial lifeline, and by offering a much needed vote of confidence in a time of huge stress and uncertainty.

But there is still work to be done.

In total we received applications for TWICE the funds available to spend.

So now we're on a mission.

Raising another £20,000 would mean we could fully fund every single application we received.

We think it's the least we can do to support this art form that means so much to so many. Please give if you can.

Read a message from Danielle de Niese .

Opera Needs You

If you love opera and are in a position to support, you can help give a financial lifeline to the best of our emerging talent.

Many aspiring artists, including singers, directors, conductors, répétiteurs and accompanists have suffered significant financial losses due to cancelled performance contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Freelance artists, beginning to establish their careers, are often not eligible for government support schemes and urgently need practical support to fund their living expenses until performances can start again.

Our aim is to raise money initially to assist those who have been part of our bursary scheme and if possible broaden it to other artists and musicians who are experiencing financial hardship.

All donations are gratefully received. With performances still sadly on hold, you may like to consider contributing what you would otherwise spend going to the opera this year. You might wish to make a charitable donation in honour of a particular family member or friend, or encourage others to join with you to make a donation. The more we raise, the more artists we can help.

All funds received will go directly to support artists in real financial need.

Together, let's support the next generation of talent.