Meet the patrons championing Streetwise Opera's vital work
At Streetwise Opera, we’re proud to be supported by a group of extraordinary patrons from the worlds of opera and stage, who share our belief in the transformative power of the arts. From renowned singers and celebrated actors to passionate advocates for social change, these individuals champion our mission to inspire and empower people experiencing homelessness through opera and creativity.
As we launch Stand With Streetwise, the most critical funding campaign in our 22-year history, their support will be instrumental in amplifying our voice and inspiring others to act. Now, we’re inviting you to join them in standing with us, by making a donation or sharing the campaign. Together, we can ensure that the arts continue to transform lives.
Dame Sarah Connolly DBE
“I’m immensely honoured to be a patron of Streetwise Opera. Their mission is one of passion for opera and deep care in the community. Homelessness could happen to almost anyone and I’m mindful that we are ever more vulnerable as the NHS is severely stretched and philanthropy is hard to reach.”
Dame Sarah Connolly is one of the world’s leading mezzo-sopranos, celebrated for her opera and concert performances. A DBE, Honorary RPS Member, and recipient of The King’s Medal for Music, her career spans appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, and major festivals like Salzburg and Glyndebourne. In 2024/25, highlights include Peter Grimes with WNO, Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder with Anima Eterna, and Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été in Genoa, showcasing her remarkable artistry and versatility.
Jennifer Johnston
“In the operatic landscape, there is no company more socially and culturally impactful than Streetwise, who demonstrate the transformative power of the arts with everything they do. As a storyteller, I am inspired by their use of singing and creativity to empower those who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives, whilst creating bold new work and reimagining classic repertoire. In this age of diminished funding and support for opera as an artform, as their Patron I will shout (and sing!) loudly from the rooftops about Streetwise and their remarkable work, helping them to forge ahead with their mission: to create opera that is for everyone.”
Paterson Joseph
Joining Streetwise Opera for the recent operas in Manchester, Nottingham and London, I saw first-hand the dedication, integrity and joy the team brings to all their work both onstage and off. The performers come back every year for a reason. I want to help build this safe, inclusive and creative company. I am honoured to be a Patron of Streetwise Opera.
Paterson Joseph is a celebrated British actor and author, and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University since 2022. Known for standout TV roles in Peep Show, The Leftovers, and Timeless, his film credits include The Beach and Wonka (2023). A seasoned stage actor, he appeared in RSC productions of King Lear and Love’s Labour’s Lost. His debut novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, won the 2023 Christopher Bland Prize, cementing his reputation as a multifaceted talent in the arts.
Simon Callow
Streetwise is a unique phenomenon, using the great binding force of music to engage with people who might feel, for whatever reason, somehow disconnected from the community. The Christmas concert is the climax of the Streetwise year and is always a thrilling event. I’ve been involved with it for some years now, and never fail to be moved and enchanted to hear (and see) this band of choristers, who might perhaps have felt ignored and disregarded at this often difficult period of the year, instead making a full-hearted, full-throated contribution to the season, giving their all to a truly smashing event. The concert is the company’s high day and holiday, but it’s by no means all there is to it: the work goes on year-round, creating connections, encouraging people to develop skills they might not have known they had and forming relationships that are both sustaining and integrative. Streetwise is also Streetkind, Streetinclusive, and above all Streetjoyful. Long may it flourish.
Simon Callow CBE is an acclaimed English actor, director, and writer celebrated for his work on stage and screen. Known for roles in A Room with a View and Four Weddings and a Funeral, he has earned an Olivier Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, with two BAFTA nominations. He originated Mozart in Amadeus (1979) and directed the Olivier-winning Carmen Jones (1992). Also renowned for portraying Charles Dickens, his TV credits include Outlander and Doctor Who. He was appointed CBE in 1999.
Elizabeth Watts
I’m thrilled to be involved as a Patron to Streetwise Opera. Streetwise combines the art I love with a cause I am passionate about. It is the embodiment of the life changing power of art. Although I never slept on the streets, I know what it is like to be suddenly facing insecure housing, and what power singing has to hold you fast, shoring up your sense of self when everything else around you is a blur. Homelessness can happen to anyone, but opera can happen to anyone too. So my heart and soul are with Streetwise in their amazing work.
