Diva Opera are an internationally renowned chamber opera company that have been entertaining audiences for over 20 years.

Founded in 1996 by Anne Marabini Young and Bryan Evans, the company has grown over the years into one of the most revered opera companies in the UK.

“I was a singer and started the company to do a few concerts,” explained Anne.

“Bryan came on board after his job with another opera company ended, and we began to broaden it with singers from all over the country.”

Now Diva Opera stage around 40 productions a year, in both the UK and abroad, in countries including Japan, France and South Africa.

Over the years the company has staged over 2,000 productions of classic operas from Mozart, Puccini and many more.

“We’re a chamber opera company and perform in a smaller format,” continued Anne.

“We don’t alter the operas in any way, we just have a smaller cast of around 10 or 12, with a reduced chorus and piano rather than a full or reduced orchestra.

“And we perform in beautiful period costumes – it’s become a bit of a trademark for us and it makes the productions even more special.”

Anne – who originally hails from New Zealand – is the General Director, overseeing everything from travel arrangements to casting, while husband Bryan – who was awarded an MBE in 1993 for his services to music and opera – is the Music and Artistic Director.

Together the pair bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company, along with their stage and wardrobe teams and performers from all over Europe.

When Anne spoke to The Local Answer, she and her crew were preparing for a trip to France, having earlier this year visited Tokyo to perform.

She said: “We did three performances in an 800-seat venue in Tokyo and it was packed every night.

“We’re always well received in France and everywhere we go really. Opera is popular

And whilst the company is based in London, and travels to perform all over the world, Anne and Bryan recently put down roots here in Cheltenham.

“We decided to move to Cheltenham,” said Anne, “as we’d been here quite a few times and just fell in love with it.”

And after three years living here, Diva Opera will soon be bringing a production to the town.

Madama Butterfly will be at Cheltenham College on Thursday 24th October, and it’s a performance Anne is especially looking forward to.

She said: “It’s our first time performing in the college and it’s a stunning venue with beautiful surroundings.

“The performance will be a good opportunity for people in the area to learn about us and see what we do. I’d like to do more shows in Cheltenham in the future.”

The show will be in aid of the MASIC Foundation, a charity that provides support for women who have sustained injuries during childbirth.

“Although we can’t do it for every production,” added Anne, “we do try to raise a lot for charity where we can.”

For more information on Diva Opera and their upcoming shows, visit www.divaopera.com