Our History
What started as a poster campaign and a big idea has become a community of singers, musicians, creatives, volunteers, audiences and supporters who continue to prove that opera belongs in Paisley.
2017: Dare to Sing Opera
Paisley Opera begins.
“Dare to Sing Opera” posters appear around Paisley town centre and 27 nervous, curious people turn up to the very first chorus rehearsal in Paisley North (then Wallneuk) Church in February. Most have never sung in a choir before. Many haven’t sung since school. Almost none can read music.
The new chorus quickly starts popping up across Paisley, performing in places including Morrisons’ vegetable aisle, the Piazza and the Erskine Dog Show.
On 2 September, we perform at the “Prom In The Piazza“, a free concert in the Piazza Shopping Centre.
In November, Paisley Opera stages its very first production, The Witches of Paisley, in Paisley Abbey, using music by Verdi and the poetry of Robert Tannahill. Professional singers perform alongside the community chorus, which has by now grown to 34 members, and take the solo roles, supported by a small professional instrumental ensemble.
Both performances sell out.
We round out the year performing carols at a local care home.
2018: Taking the Next Step
In July, the chorus joins Scottish Opera’s production of Pagliacci at Seedhill Park, providing most of the community chorus.
In August, we launch our first schools’ education project, working with pupils from three schools over six weeks of creative workshops.
2019: Our First Full Opera
La Bohème becomes Paisley Opera’s first full opera production in February 2019.
Performed at UWS, it is the first of our newly commissioned Paisley Scots translations and brings together professional soloists, chorus leaders and an instrumental ensemble of 12 with the community chorus.
We also welcome Alistair Digges to work with us.
March sees our second education project, working with two primary schools in Elderslie and Johnstone over six weeks.
In April, we begin rehearsing A Paisley Kiss (Lindsay Bramley’s Paisley Scots translation of Cavalleria Rusticana. Rehearsals continue throughout the year until our “Christmas Cracker” concert at the Methodist Central Hall, where the chorus is joined by soloists to perform festive music.
2020-2021: Keeping Going
Like arts organisations everywhere, Paisley Opera faces the challenges of the pandemic.
The planned production of A Paisley Kiss is postponed, but the music continues. Chorus members and guests contribute individual video and sound recordings, which are edited together to create a virtual performance of the Easter Hymn, a wonderful and uplifting project at a time when the arts are struggling.
In September 2021, when restrictions allow, rehearsals resume outdoors before gradually returning indoors with recommended distancing. Numbers are understandably low when rehearsals restart, sometimes falling to as few as 12 participants, but confidence gradually returns and the chorus rebuilds.
Based on Government advice, we decide to plan our next production for April and May 2022.
2022: Back on Stage
A Paisley Kiss finally reaches audiences in Central Way, Paisley, outside but protected from the elements.
With the community chorus joined by professional soloists, children from PACE Theatre and the Amicus Orchestra, audiences are understandably limited but still substantial. Directed by Fiona Williams, the production marks a major and successful return to live performance.
In December, we celebrate the season with carol-singing pop-ups in the Piazza Shopping Centre, Tesco and a local restaurant.
2023: A Landmark Year
In March, we sing at the prestigious Renfrewshire Provost Community Awards dinner, and in May we perform at a Wellbeing in the Park event to mark Scottish Mental Health Awareness Week.
In October, Paisley Opera presents its new Paisley Scots translation of Macbeth, directed by Simon Hannigan and conducted by Alistair Digges, at the newly refurbished Paisley Town Hall for its first ticketed performances following its £23 million refurbishment.
Both performances sell out and receive strong critical praise. The production also marks Paisley Opera’s first collaboration with right2dance and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
In December, we celebrate the season with further carol-singing pop-ups at the newly opened Paisley Central Library and the STAR Project.
2024: Building on Success
In May, we are invited back to perform at Wellbeing in the Park as part of Scottish Mental Health Awareness Week.
In October, our Paisley Scots translation of Faust continues our programme of ambitious community opera. Directed by Thomas Guthrie, conducted by Alistair Digges, and performed with right2dance and musicians from the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, the production receives enthusiastic reviews.
We finish the year with Christmas pop-ups at Paisley Central Library and the Paisley Centre.
2025: Deeper Community Connections
In March and April, our education work expands through a partnership with right2dance, working with four primary schools in Renfrew.
The chorus continues to appear at community events, festivals and wellbeing initiatives, including Lochwinnoch Feelgood Festival and celebrations marking 30 years of Ferguslie Park.< We move our rehearsals to the Tannahill Centre, in the heart of Ferguslie Park, and invite local people to "Gie Us A Go!” at a chorus taster session.
Rehearsals begin for a new Paisley Scots translation of Carmen, swapping the bullring and heat of Seville for match day at St Mirren and the factories of 1960s Paisley.
2026: Ferguslie Park’s First Opera
In May, Paisley Opera presents Carmen, Ferguslie Park’s first opera.
Across four performances,Carmen plays to near-capacity audiences, while the dress rehearsal attracts a large number of local people who have never had the opportunity to experience opera before. The production receives both critical acclaim and enthusiastic community support.