The Opera Awards Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £50,000 - £60,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 months
• Grant Range: Individual bursaries (specific amounts not disclosed)
• Geographic Focus: International

Contact Details

• Website: www.operaawards.org
• Email: info@operaawards.org
• Phone: 020 7451 7050
• Application Portal: operaawards.org/foundation/application/

Overview

The Opera Awards Foundation (Charity Number: 1151026) was established in 2012 by Harry Hyman to advance the education of the public in the art of opera through the provision of bursaries and grants to individuals and organizations. With annual giving of approximately £50,000-60,000, the Foundation supports emerging opera professionals worldwide through its annual bursary program. Operating alongside The International Opera Awards, the Foundation has supported artists from over a dozen countries, many of whom have gone on to perform with prestigious institutions including The Royal Opera House, The Metropolitan Opera, and Glyndebourne. The Foundation focuses on identifying and nurturing talented individuals whose potential might otherwise go unrealized due to financial constraints.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Annual Bursary Program: Individual awards (amounts vary) to emerging opera professionals
• Application method: Annual online application with October deadline
• Support covers living costs, travel, course fees, promotional material, and professional coaching

Priority Areas

• Emerging opera singers (all voice types including sopranist)
• Opera directors
• Conductors
• Répétiteurs
• Opera writers
• Professional development and career advancement
• International talent development

What They Don't Fund

• Established professionals with existing major company contracts
• General organizational funding
• Capital projects
• Non-opera related arts activities

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is overseen by 7 Trustees, with Harry Hyman serving as Chair and Founder. Hyman established the Foundation after recognizing “that there were many artistically talented individuals whose potential was not being nurtured.” The Trustees personally review all applications and make funding decisions without receiving any remuneration. Hyman has emphasized the Foundation's role in supporting artists “in this post-pandemic world,” highlighting the organization's commitment to sustaining careers during challenging times.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are invited annually through the Foundation's online portal at operaawards.org/foundation/application/. Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Supporting documentation as specified in guidance notes
• Professional references
• Demonstration of financial need and career goals

Decision Timeline

• Application deadline: Typically October 31st
• Review period: 2-3 months
• Announcement: Usually January/February
• Notification: Via email to all applicants

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, though typically 14-21 bursaries are awarded annually from the application pool.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated, though past patterns suggest unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of successful recipients and Foundation statements:

• Clear demonstration of professional potential and existing momentum in career
• Specific explanation of how funds will advance career at critical juncture
• Evidence of financial need that limits professional development
• “Drive and determination to make a difference on the global opera scene”
• International outlook and ambition beyond local/regional performance
• Strong professional references from established opera professionals
• Track record of recent performances or engagements showing career trajectory

Recipients have included artists at pivotal career moments - Georgia Mae Bishop noted the support came “at a vital time in my development as a young singer.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on the individual artist's potential for international impact rather than local significance
• Emphasize specific professional development opportunities the bursary would enable
• Highlight financial barriers preventing career advancement
• Include evidence of recent achievements and upcoming opportunities
• Application window is narrow (typically one month in October) - prepare early
• Foundation values supporting artists from diverse international backgrounds
• Past recipients have achieved major success - frame application as investment in future opera star

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund
• The Garrick Charitable Trust
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• ABO Trust
• Hattori Foundation
• MGCFUTURES LTD
• Laidlaw Opera Trust
• The Fenton Arts Trust
• Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund (Dance Professionals Fund)
• The Noël Coward Foundation

References

• The Opera Awards Foundation official website (www.operaawards.org) -
• Charity Commission for England and Wales - Charity Number 1151026 registration details -
• “Opera Awards Foundation announces 2025 bursary recipients” - Opera Awards website announcement - January 2025
• “Opera Awards Foundation announces 2022 bursary recipients” - Opera Awards website announcement - January 2022
• Opera Awards Foundation Application Portal (operaawards.org/foundation/application/) -
• Charity Commission Annual Return data for The Opera Awards Foundation (2023-2024) -