Streetwise Opera
We enable people who’ve experienced homelessness to find inspiration and empowerment while they rebuild their lives and identities.
Support our Big Give Christmas Challenge
Help us transform the lives of people affected by homelessness.
From 12 noon on Tuesday 28 November to 12 noon on Tuesday 5 December, all donations made via The Big Give will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift!
“We are flying high and on top of the world! I look at my fellow performers. Our eyes are sparkling and our faces aglow with so much joy and pride! We are all-powerful and we can do anything!”
— Streetwise Opera performer
Deck The Halls With Streetwise Opera
Join us for an uplifting seasonal celebration! Streetwise Opera headlines a joyous Christmas carol sing-along, featuring performances by critically-acclaimed actor Simon Callow and special guests from the world of music and theatre.
Deck The Halls With Streetwise Opera returns to the beautiful All-Hallows-by-the-Tower in London on Friday 15 December, 6pm.
Tickets: £20, £10 (children 16 or younger, full-time students, unemployed/unwaged, disability access and access companions) + booking fee.
“At the time that I have nothing, I still have my artistry. I still have my creativity. I still have my talent. And if that’s going to get me from homelessness to where I need to be, then I’m going to hone that, and Streetwise Opera is the perfect place for that.”
— Streetwise Opera performer
Re:Discover
The Re:Discover festival is Streetwise Opera’s flagship project in 2024. Over the next year, we will co-create a triple bill of new operas inspired by the music of composers of African and Caribbean heritage.
“I would’ve never gone across that door. I wouldn’t lift my head off the ground, I was that terrified. Now I’m able to lift my head up and think I’m proud of who I am.”
— Streetwise Opera performer
What's on
News & blogs
“There’s something lovely about knowing we’re all singing the same lines, at the same time; even though I’m having no contact with anyone at the moment, it makes me feel less alone. Also , it helps me to realise that you are all still there and still planning for projects we’ll do when this is over. When so many arts venues and projects are being shelved, it is a relief to know that you are still here. Streetwise is a really important part of my life.”
— Streetwise Opera performer
In the press
BBC One - Breakfast
The Guardian
‘I’m finding my voice’: the opera sung by once homeless people
BBC News
'How opera changed my life after homelessness'
“It’s given me a big lease of life, because when I started, I was in a real bad way, I shut myself away for about ten years, with depression. From that, to now, what Streetwise Opera has done for me… I’d be here all day explaining it, it’s really brought me out of my shell, given me a life, given me something to thrive for.”
— Streetwise Opera performer
“Opera really is for anyone and everyone. I spent my life thinking that I could never be part of that world. Until I came here.”
— Streetwise Opera performer
