A new opera in development
Ancient family feuds, modern motherhood and the dangerous desire to control how life begins.
Join us at Rich Mix, London, on 10 December 2026 for a work-in-progress sharing with CHROMA, Alkanna Gracea and our singers.
THE STORY
In ancient Greece, rival brothers, a troubled marriage and the desire for an heir set old grievances in motion. In present-day London, IVF and a sibling’s offer to help start a family entangle questions of love, consent and parenthood. What begins as an act of generosity carries consequences that unfold years later.
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With a Greek chorus driving the action, family loyalties, secrets and the desire for control echo across both worlds.
Written and created by Carole Hayman, Oh Adelphos! brings the brutal, darkly comic world of Greek tragedy into sharp conversation with modern fertility treatment. Satirical and unsettling, it explores how new reproductive possibilities meet age-old jealousies, rivalries and revenge.
THE MUSIC
Inspired by her Greek-Cypriot heritage, composer Crystalla Serghiou brings contemporary classical writing together with Greek and Balkan musical traditions and medieval chant.
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Balkan vocal trio Alkanna Graeca takes the role of the Greek chorus. Its distinctive blend of folk polyphony and improvisation meets four operatic voices, placing the chorus at the heart of the opera’s musical storytelling.
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For our December work-in-progress sharing at Rich Mix, London, we’re delighted to welcome CHROMA to bring the developing score to life alongside our singers.