As an opera photographer I absolutely love going backstage to photograph the nitty gritty bits of a production that no one else gets to see! Wherever possible, I take some time to sneak in a few backstage shots, or head down into the pit with the orchestra. Having worked with Longborough Festival Opera for many years now, this year we finally allocated some time specifically for backstage photography! They commissioned me to attend the Ariadne Auf Naxos stage and orchestra rehearsals the day before the actual dress rehearsal as well as the dress rehearsal itself. My brief was to capture “everything and anything”.

Taking notes during an orchestral run through of Ariadne Auf Naxos at Longborough Opera

Backstage shot of rehearsals, from the wings

Behind the scenes, literally

Reflections in the pit

Final touches to a costume

The costume department took the opportunity to soak up some rays while finishing work on the costumes

Stage rehearsals

I liaised with the production manager, stage manager and orchestra manager, making sure everyone knew who I was, when I would be there, why I would be there and what I would be doing. The prior warning meant everyone was actually really excited about it. The singers and backstage staff saw it as a way to get some more unusual shots of them in action for their portfolios, and as such I was offered much more access than I would usually be offered. It was an absolute dream photography commission!

In the dressing rooms, the singers were busy applying makeup, getting ready, and sometimes simply just chatting to each other and laughing. The dressing rooms were bustling with activity, anticipation and excitement brewing in the run up to their final rehearsal. Despite the pressure, everyone was very relaxed, happy to have me around, and started ignoring me after a while which was exactly what I needed in order to capture truly candid photos. Nothing went unphotographed; even people simply relaxing on the sofas in the communal areas.

Getting ready

Make up artist at work

Applying makeup

Another shot from the dressing rooms

On stage, the last adjustments to the Ariadne set were being made, and the orchestra were also getting ready. When it comes to backstage theatre photos, there is a need for incredible patience. Nothing runs to schedule, and more importantly, a lot of things that happen aren’t scheduled at all in the first place. This is what makes this type of photography so exciting. I basically hover like a fly on the wall, waiting for a light to be adjusted, someone to scale a ladder, or an impromptu singing rehearsal to take place. There is no way to know what the costume department will be working on, or which orchestra members will arrive earliest to warm up, but persevering and staying patient offered up some fantastic photography opportunities.

Working out how to rig up part of the set

Finishing touches to the lighting

Practising the put up and take down of part of the set in order to make it as swift as possible on the day

Choreographing the scene with the large ball of wool

Lighting desk

Finishing touches in the costume department

Anthony conducting in the orchestra pit

The orchestra rehearsing

Clarinetist preparing his reeds in the orchestra pits

Making notes during the rehearsal

Working on the set

I also had the opportunity to shoot the orchestra, and world renowned conductor Anthony Negus, as they were rehearsing. The high contrast between the light stand lights illuminating the sheet music, and the dark ambient light in the orchestra pit made life very challenging, but also offered up some interesting lighting situations.

Rehearsing

Double bass player, with his eyes fixed on Anthony Negus, the conductor

Pianist keeping himself occupied during a period of the opera where he was not involved

Anthony at work

The concentration of all the musicians was intense, so I had to take care to be as quiet and unobtrusive as possible

It was amusing finding out how all the musicians keep themselves busy when they have long gaps in the performance

Anthony Negus conducting the rehearsal of Ariadne Auf Naxos at Longborough Opera

Reflections in the pit

Framed by a harp

Hanging out in the wings as the singers started their rehearsal was a really special experience too. I have to admit though, hearing their incredible voices from just a few feet away was slightly distracting! It was truly impressive, and gave me a taste of the dress rehearsal of Ariadne Auf Naxos that I was going to photograph the following day.

This experience shooting backstage was truly unique, giving me freedom to capture the normally unseen sides of an opera; the orchestra in the pit, the lighting designers at work, the singers as they got ready to perform, the stage-manager in the wings. It was such a great team effort, that has resulted in a truly original, intimate and hopefully insightful set of operas photos, showing all the efforts that go in behind the scenes. It felt great having everyone on board and excited about ensuring that everyone gets to see what goes behind the scenes in putting on an opera. If you are reading this and you were a part of it, then thank you!

The stage is ready

Stage manager keeping an eye on proceedings

Candid shots in the wings were great fun to capture

Making notes during a rehearsal

Lighting designer Ben Ormerod lost in his thoughts

At work at the lighting desk

Lighting designer at work at his desk

Full cast rehearsals underway

Looking down into the pit

Warming up prior to stage rehearsals

Waiting in the wings

On a really exciting note, there is a lot more to come of this from Longborough Festival Opera, as there is a 4 year long project in the works. Watch this space!