Despite actor Timothee Chalamet dismissing ballet and opera as art forms that people do not care about, it seems there are many other people around his age who do. Some of them will be performing in our city this coming weekend.
Bath is about to enjoy the inaugural performance of a special opera concert presented by the Association for Rising Young Artists (ARYA), and it will feature outstanding emerging opera singers performing a programme of well-known arias and ensembles in the unique setting of the Roman Baths and Pump Room.
This event marks the launch of ARYA—an international association dedicated to nurturing rising voices and reimagining opera for the modern audience. Expect a programme that balances classical beauty with a contemporary, emotional immediacy.
ARYA is a volunteer-led, non-profit collective of young opera singers, musicians, and creatives who believe that classical singing can be intimate, fearless, and alive for our generation.
Founded by emerging artists, ARYA brings together voices from various paths and every corner of the world to develop a generation of musicians that are serious in artistry and free in spirit.
Opera at the Roman Baths is at 7 pm on Saturday, March 14th.
This concert celebrates the next generation of operatic talent while showcasing one of the UK’s most iconic heritage venues.
More details on the event can be found at the links below.
https://aryanetwork.org/events/f97f8a4c-65eb-4633-ab60-1a39a802b755
https://visitbath.co.uk/whats-on/opera-at-the-roman-baths-p3901553
Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026
Dress Code: Black-Tie / Smart-Formal
Tickets: £35 General Admission / £15 Student (Includes private Roman Baths entry and complimentary drinks)
NB. I am hearing the comments about ‘black-tie’ – something we don’t all keep in the wardrobe maybe – but surely dressing smart for a special experience is something we can all manage.
Think the black tie etc will put some off.
I have just been to Sydney Opera House and saw Madam Butterfly.
I wore chino’s and polo shirt some were wearing shorts maybe that’s how to get audiences interested in opera black tie is far too stuffy.
The opera content is ‘ a carefully curated selection of arias’. As a singer and opera-goer myself, I’d be interested to know what accompaniment is provided, since you can’t get a full orchestra into the space. A chamber ensemble? A backing track? A keyboard of some kind? I am all for encouraging early-career singers, but you are getting ‘bleeding chunks’ and without the full instrumental sound behind them.
Meanwhile there are plenty of performances of entire operas with orchestra within reach: at the Bristol Hippodrome (not as often as there used to be), in Cardiff at the WMC, the IF Opera Festival at Wingfield and our own Bath Opera. Dress optional (if you get what I mean!)