Belfast Operatic look to the future with plans for new shows

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was felt acutely by the company, with the cancellation of their exciting production of Titanic the Musical due to take place in April 2020. “Titanic was to be poignantly staged in a custom-built theatre in the TEC, on the very ground where the ship itself was designed and built,” explained Colin Boyd, Chairperson of Belfast Operatic Company. “Much work had already taken place but with a little over a month to curtain up, it became clear that the show would be unable to go ahead.

“Whilst this was very disappointing for our members, it would take more than Covid-19 to quell the spirit and fun in BOC! We have continued to rehearse weekly via Zoom and also held a virtual concert with recordings from previous events. We have come together virtually to record ‘Nearer My God to Thee’, which was released to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and performed ‘Why We Sing’ in support of local charity Friends of the Cancer Centre, raising over £1400 for this worthy cause.”

Despite rehearsals being put on hold, Belfast Operatic began to look to the future, determined to come out of the other side of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in style, with plans already underway for new shows next year.

“BOC have made some exciting announcements during lockdown, including the reveal of our November 2021 production of Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol and the Irish Premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2022,” continued Colin.

“We are also looking forward to celebrating 60 years of BOC at our anniversary concert due to be staged next year.”

As with all arts companies in the country, Belfast Operatic faced financial hardship with the cancellation of their show, however they have received much needed funding from the Arts Council. “With the loss of key income from cancelled shows and concerts, and the significant restrictions expected to be in place for performances moving forwards, the future looks uncertain for much of the local arts community,” said Colin. “BOC are incredibly grateful to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. We have been awarded a much needed grant from the Organisations Emergency Programme to support the upkeep of our wonderful rehearsal premises through the Covid-19 crisis. We are so lucky to have the backing of this brilliant group of people who work so hard to sustain the Arts in Northern Ireland.

“Ourselves, and many other groups, schools and theatres provide a vital lifeline for so many local people and nurture significant talent across this island. Without your support, many of these groups will not survive post Covid-19, so why not consider taking an entertaining night out to support these local companies when our performances can safely resume.”