Scherzo Ensemble is a professional development platform for young performers, primarily singers. We deliver high-quality performance and training projects for early-career artists, offering them opportunities to develop their experience, understanding, and professional networks. After years of focussed study, musicians graduate from conservatoire proficient in their instrument but often without the performance opportunities and industry-awareness most will need to construct a successful freelance career. The classical music industry has shrunk considerably in recent years, with fewer opportunities for artistic work, especially for new graduates. Our programme helps emerging artists develop a diverse range of professional skills and experience, seeking to instil artistic and managerial confidence when setting out to build their careers. 

We manage Longhope Opera, a fledgling country house opera festival in East Hampshire. Each July we produce a comic bel canto opera with a company of emerging talent. All cast, creatives, crew, management & orchestra are under 30 years old. We are also known for our oratorio concerts which tour London & South East. These are collaborations with other professional development organisations and represent a fresh take on the works, often with an inter-disciplinary element.