Matthew O’Keeffe, Artistic Director  

Matthew is the Director of Longhope Opera and Scherzo Ensemble, which he founded in 2015 whilst studying music at King’s College London. He is based in South London and works as a singer, conductor, producer, arranger and composer. During his degree, he was a countertenor Choral Scholar and studied singing with Michael Chance at RAM whilst at the same time seizing every opportunity to conduct and manage music projects within the university. Soon after graduating with a 1st in 2017, he founded Lunchbreak Opera which stages accessible and digestible shows in the City of London which fit within the working day, offered for free. Shows have included Suor Angelica, Prima la Musica, Gianni Schicchi and A Dinner Engagement. Matthew works very hard to share his love of classical artforms with new audiences –clearly visible in his work with the Brixton Chamber Orchestra, which he founded in 2018. BCO is an innovative ensemble of young professional instrumentalists based in Lambeth. The Orchestra champions informal classical performance in community spaces, and also engages fully with the diverse musical cultures of Brixton. On the side, Matthew also directs the Trouvere Collective (Medieval troup) and is choirmaster at St Thomas’ Church, Fulham, and The Centre for Young Musicians. Matthew arranges music for all his ensembles and his compositions have been premiered on BBC Television and in Westminster Cathedral. 

Stephanie Waldron, General Manager

Stephanie studied music at King’s College London before pursuing further studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she completed her MMus in Music Performance and MA in Advanced Opera Performance. Stephanie is currently working in the UK as a freelance singer on both the opera and concert platforms, however, throughout her studies and beyond she has found a real passion for the planning, management and marketing side of opera. Alongside her role at Longhope Opera, Stephanie works for the Choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge as their PR and Communications Assistant.

Trustees
Peter Nutting (Chair) 
Hamish Janson 
Fergus Slinger
Nicholas Thomas (Treasurer) 
Tim Jones