Author: JZualski

1. First up we’re focussing on 2 very strong, short stories. Cav is about a man who’s gone off to war leaving a pregnant woman behind. Now he’s returned he’s after his former finance who married someone else in the meantime. We’ve all seen that guy 👀

Pag on the other hand is about the plight of a woman facing daily abuse from her husband, dreaming of escape and a better life than the one that seemed to grow around her in a patriarchal and misogynist society. Also sound familiar?

2. Both opera’s focus on women as 3D complex human beings in a way that opera often widely misses. We see women in relation to men because there’s seemingly no escaping that, but they are fully fleshed out strong characters who don’t just waft about and sing pretty high notes.

3. As always we perform in the language that the composers intended. This time Italian, which heightens the drama with sounds and words that are not available in English. But, we also have multiple screens sometimes displaying a summary of the plot and sometimes telling the audience word for word what’s going on.

4. Our operas are a celebration of our work as a community opera company that welcomes singers of all abilities onto the stage to grow in confidence and experience opera performance without barriers. We’re committed to taking elitism out of opera and so many of the singers you see have day jobs just like you. They are on a journey of exploration and self discovery alongside some quite powerful voices from more developed singers and we share the magic of that journey by cheering them on from the audience.

5. Our Operas are staged for smaller auditoriums where the audience get up close and personal with the action. While most opera venues stick the audience in a far away cupboard with a big mystic gully to separate them from the singers, our audiences get to experience the raw power of operatic singing at close quarters. They feel the vibration of every voice, get enveloped by the emotion and become an integral part of the joy of Opera

Get your tickets here: Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Thoughts on Outsider Opera from our Artistic Director, Jacob Zualski.

Outsider Opera is created by and for people outside of the commercial opera industry.

Do existing opera audiences enjoy it too? Absolutely! But, the primary purpose is to create a place where all voices are valid and people who do not have access to traditional opera making can explore and participate freely.

Within it, people of all ages hold space for the centuries-old tradition of opera, meeting it where they stand and accepting its gentle call to strive towards something greater: an entire, living, breathing, musical and dramatic organism that relies on the interconnectedness of people, and the joint mission of achieving something big together.

While traditional opera tends to focus on ability and rewards only those with the highest skill levels, Outsider Opera welcomes each participant as a whole person who is exploring something, figuring it out, applying their curiosity to this uniquely complex art form.

And we celebrate them for their growth, tenacity and perseverance.

Over the weeks, months or even years that people participate in this kind of creative fellowship, we see newfound confidence that carries over into other areas of their lives. We see many singers develop the skills that could set them on the trajectory of further vocal study, professional careers and extraordinary levels of opera performance.

And that’s fantastic. For them, for us and for the world that they brighten with their performances.

For others that may not happen. And that’s fantastic too because we get to share in their glow a little longer.

If you’d like to get involved in creating opera visit our Join In page to find out more.

Experience the Joy of Opera at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025!

Get ready for an exhilarating journey of music and laughter as our company takes the stage at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025! From August 13th to 16th, we present Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss—a beloved operetta filled with charm, humor, and captivating performances. Under the direction of Jacob Zualski and conductor Suzanne Godet, this fresh take promises to be a celebration of creativity and talent.

A Classic, Reimagined

This year’s production gives Die Fledermaus a twist by placing it in an early ’90s pharmaceutical office. Expect clever banter, mistaken identities, and comedic chaos —all set to Strauss’s iconic score. This inventive setting breathes new life into a timeless classic, offering a fun and accessible experience for audiences of all ages.

Laughter, Style, and Spectacle

Look forward to bold ’90s-inspired costumes, lively choreography, and laugh-out-loud moments. Our creative team has embraced the era’s flair—think vivid colours and retro patterns—to complement the operetta’s vibrant energy.

Meet the Team

Director Jacob Zualski is known for his engaging, joy-filled productions that combine sharp storytelling with inventive staging. His vision seamlessly blends the elegance of Strauss with the nostalgia of office life in the ’90s.

Leading the orchestra is Suzanne Godet, whose passion for classical music and extensive experience ensures a rich, resonant sound. Her past productions have attracted thousands and left lasting impressions on audiences.

Catch a Sneak Peek!

Join us for special preview performances at the Melrose Corn Exchange on August 2nd and 3rd. These intimate events offer a glimpse of selected scenes and musical highlights from the full production—perfect for those eager to enjoy the fun ahead of our Fringe debut.

More Than a Show—A Community Celebration

At the heart of our company is a passion for connection. We aim not only to entertain but to welcome everyone—whether lifelong opera lovers or first-time attendees—into the joy of live performance.

So bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of music, humour, and theatrical magic.

Aria Alba are gearing up to start work on their 2025 Edinburgh Fringe production, Die Fledermaus.

We’re opening our doors to singers of all levels for our first rehearsal of this classic operetta to share our passion for opera, and the joy of this vivacious Strauss escapade.

Singers will be guided through a selection of choruses from the work by internationally recognised opera specialist, Jacob Zualski ith the support of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate Max Mcwhirter at the piano. Music is available for free via the IMSLP library and can be downloaded to phone or tablet/printed before coming (we’ll send you a link via email when you RSVP).

Looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our community.

The event takes place at St. Ninian’s Church Hall in Edinburgh. Access is via St. Ninian’s road and we’ll have someone to meet you at the door to direct you to the rehearsal space (it’s a bit of a maze!).

The workshop starts at 7pm and lasts 2.5 hours including tea and buiscuits at the halfway point.