Later this year Mahogany Opera and Britten Pears Arts will present the world premiere of Errollyn Wallen’s new opera A Christmas Miracle.
Written for children, adults and professional artists by The Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen, the opera has been developed by Mahogany Opera, co-produced by Britten Pears Arts and supported by Jubilee Opera and Orkney Music and Culture.
Inspired by Britten’s unrealised plans for his intergenerational community opera of the Christmas Story (titled A Christmas Sequence), and using text from the Chester Mystery Plays, the new opera includes special settings of much-loved Christmas carols for everyone to sing along with. A Christmas Miracle is designed to be bespoke for each performance; the production will tour with a small professional cast (four singers and 10 instrumentalists) and production team, which will work with a large community cast of around 80 – 100 participants of varying ages, backgrounds and skills in each location.
The world premiere performances will take place in Orford Church on 20 and 21 November, where, in 1958, Britten’s visionary community opera Noye’s Fludde was premiered. A Christmas Miracle will then travel to Errollyn Wallen’s home of Orkney for performances in St. Magnus Cathedral on 4 and 5 December.
Noye’s Fludde, Orford Church:
Image gallery
“It is hard to put into words how wonderful it is to be involved in this new opera. It is a joy to be bringing A Christmas Miracle to life with this great team. As Master of The King’s Music, my stated focus has been on music-making for all, and I am proud to be part of this all-embracing musical adventure.”
Errollyn Wallen, composer
‘‘It is a real thrill to be collaborating with Errollyn Wallen and Mahogany Opera on a modern day Noye’s Fludde. I can’t think of a better way to honour Britten’s legacy in the 50th anniversary year of his death, than to create a new community opera inspired by his approach. We hope the local community here in Suffolk will be as excited about it as we are and that A Christmas Miracle will be enjoyed by communities and audiences across the UK and beyond for many years to come.”
Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Britten Pears Arts
Call out for performers and volunteers
Do you love singing, music making or arts & crafts? Britten Pears Arts and Mahogany Opera are looking for people of all ages to be involved in A Christmas Miracle. No experience is required – just enthusiasm! Come to the introductory workshops and find out more.
Monday 6th or Tuesday 7th July, 5 – 8pm Snape Maltings
An invitation to all singers 13+ and adults interested in performing.
Saturday 11th July 10am & 2pm Orford Town Hall
Calling all members of the community interested in making: costumes, greenery, props & masks come to one of these information sessions.
Time commitment
- Weekly rehearsals from September 2026 for performers, either slotting into the current weekly rehearsals of local groups you can join or ad hoc to accommodate availability.
- 13 – 21 November: late afternoons and evenings for production and performances on 20 and 21 November.
Sign up to take part in A Christmas Miracle by completing our registration form.
Main image: Errollyn Wallen © Paul Tucker