MUSICAL DIRECTOR – Dr. Paul Foster

Paul Foster studied music at University of London (Master of Music) and vocal studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has a Ph.D. in Musical Composition from the University of Manchester.

After working for seventeen years in London, he returned to his native South West, where he is sought after as a conductor of opera, orchestra and theatre repertoire. As well as being well known as a composer, conductor and pianist, he is an award-winning actor and published poet. Performances of Paul’s compositions have included the South Bank and abroad. In 2010, the Scherzo for Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet and Piano won the first ‘Reedplay’ International competition and was duly premièred on the South Bank in London.

STAGE DIRECTOR – Martyn Harrison

Martyn combines his career as a professional Opera Singer with that of Stage Director and Guest Speaker /Lecturer on Opera and Musical Theatre. He has directed over 160 productions ranging from Pantomime to Grand Opera for both Professional and Community groups.

Martyn began his working career after University as an Applied Biologist at the British Museum [Natural History]. However, after re-training he launched into a professional opera career at Glyndebourne.

In his directing he draws on his wide personal performing experience with numerous UK opera companies including Glyndebourne, Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Kent Opera, New Sadler’s Wells opera and new D’Oyly Carte as well as with European companies. Additionally, Martyn has appeared in a number of West End Musicals including Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd and Bernadette. Recent directorial credits include La Traviata, Carmen, Mr. Cinders, Yeomen of the Guard and Not in front of the Waiter. He has worked with NDO since it’s inception both on and off stage.

VOCAL ADVISOR – Ian Comboy

PAST PRODUCTION VIDEO CLIPS – Carmen 2011 on YouTube – CLICK SCREEN BELOW