W11 Opera celebrates 40 years

And as the group prepares for its 40th anniversary performance this week, co-founder Mrs Hughes reflects on a project which grew beyond even her greatest ambitions.

She said: "It was really the idea of Nicholas, who had just come out of music college and wanted to do this as a project.

"But at the beginning it was all very Blue Peter. We had no idea how many children would actually turn up - plenty showed an interest, but it was difficult to know how well that would translate into actual numbers.

"As we started heading towards the rehearsals for our first performance in 1971, we didn't know how successful it would be.

"But we ended up with more than 100 children coming along to take part. It was unbelievable and very unexpected.

"Everything was put together by us - the stage was built by some of the dads, the costumes were designed by a very good neighbour of ours, it was all done on a bit of a shoestring budget.

"And sure enough, people came to watch that first production of Noye's Fludde, and it was very popular.

"But even so, we had no idea, that it would still be going 40 years down the line.

"Of course much has changed now - they can publicise the shows and everything on the internet, and collect advertising money for adverts in the programmes. It's become a very professional operation."

The opera gives nine to 18 year-olds the chance to learn new skills and perform, and also provides children's choruses for the main Opera Holland Park.

Mrs Hughes, herself a pianist, remained with the W11 Opera for around eight years, but Mr Kraemer devoted a staggering 18 years to conducting, composing and supporting the young people in the project.

And over the past 40 years, the company has performed more than 30 operas - a different one nearly every year.

This year is no different, with performances this weekend of Original Features, composed by Julian Grant and Christina Jones, at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.

The opera, based around two young artists in the 1920s who try to seek their fortune in America, lasts around 70 minutes, and will be performed at the studios on December 3 and 4.

For tickets or more information, visit www.w11opera.org.