A full scale opera depends on a very large team. The 2009 Macbeth production team numbered over 30, many of whom were also performing. Bringing the opera to life on stage were 48 singers, supported by 14 musicians in the orchestra pit.
Meet the creative leaders who ensure we turn all that creative energy and passion for opera into a thrilling production. Phil studied singing and organ at the Birmingham School of Music. During this time he worked closely with the Opera School, returning later as a visiting lecturer. His Musical Direction for the Opera School included ‘Don Giovanni’, ‘Albert Herring’, ‘Alcina’ (directed from the harpsichord at the Bath Georgian Festival), and the world premier of Giles Swayne’s ‘Le Nozze de Cherubino’ He was also involved in preparations for the first performances of Derek Bourgeois’ ‘Kubla Khan’ under the late Sir Charles Groves. Phil currently lives and works in Birmingham and is an experienced singing teacher and vocal coach, possessing a fine Counter Tenor voice. He has sung and accompanied for radio and has led many musical and choral groups throughout the country. He has presented numerous lecture-recitals on subjects ranging from the history of Anglican church music to Italian opera. He wrote and presented a programme for the BBC World Service taking a lighthearted look at the mysterious world of liturgical organ improvisation. Alongside an extensive teaching practice, Phil is currently artistic director of Mercian Opera, Musical Director of Midland Opera and Director of Music at St George’s Church Edgbaston. He has also composed a number of song cycles and choral works, as well as instrumental pieces and incidental music.

Producer/Director 2009/2010

ANDREW POTTER
Following a great year of rehearsals, and a stunning production of Macbeth, Midland Opera is pleased to announce Andrew Potter as its Director for 'The Tales of Hoffmann' in 2010.
Andrew studied drama at Bristol University, before tackling acting at Mountview Theatre School and drama teaching at Bretton Hall. He is a long-term associate of the award-winning Box Clever Theatre Company, for whom he directed several ‘Boxed Shakespeares’ (including the Boxed Macbeth) and their acclaimed anti-bullying piece: 'Mark & The Marked'. His acting credits for them include creating the roles of the Storyteller/Shylock in the 'Boxed Merchant Of Venice' and the Christ-like ‘H’ in 'A Very Private Passion'. In 2000 he established Wildcard, a company specialising in innovative storytelling theatre, for whom he directed 'Hiawatha', Gawain & The Green Night', 'Richard III', 'The Odyssey', 'Hassan : An Arabian Adventure', 'The Tragical Life & Times Of Macbeth', 'In The Beginning' (based on the Book of Genesis) and Terry Johnson’s 'Insignificance'. He also created and performed 'Iliad', a one-man ‘telling’ of the Trojan War in the spirit of Homer. In 2004 Andrew moved to Birmingham where his first child, Gabriel, was born on Christmas Day, followed by a sister, Moriah, in August 2006. Since moving here, he has directed 'Iphigenia At Aulis', 'The Storm', 'Fair Ladies at a Game of Poem Cards' and 'The Arabian Nights' at Birmingham School of Acting, plus 'Ruddigore', 'The Mikado' and 'Merrie England' for Great Witley Operatic Society. Macbeth was Andrew's first production for Midland Opera.