"a magnificent chorus, one which can claim top marks for tuning, rhythmic precision, sheer verve of delivery and...dynamic subtlety."

Opera magazine

Magdala is a unique community-based musical organisation.

It provides opportunities for adults and young people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover their creative and vocal ability through the power of opera and, in doing so, introduces opera to new audiences and gives pleasure to thousands of concertgoers throughout the East Midlands each year.

Based in Nottingham, Magdala has a growing regional, national and international reputation:

• partnerships with groups such as Opera North and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra;
  
• attracting the attention of leading national and international singers and coaches;
  
• increasing demand for the sell-out public performances of the Magdala Chorus.
  

Magdala's vision is nothing less than the establishment of a internationally-recognised centre of excellence for operatic training. With substantial Lottery grants, it already has a unique programme for education in schools.

Magdala's Artistic Director is Michelle Wegwart, one of the UK's most sought-after voice teachers. She is consulted regularly by leading singers from home and overseas and is Professor of Voice at the Bastille Opera, Paris. During the summer of 2001, she joined the faculty of the International Institute of Vocal Arts, an international programme with world's top singing, language and music coaches, at the invitation of its Artistic Director Joan Dornemann of the Metropolitan Opera, New York. She was also voice teacher to JVR, Opera du Rhin, Strasbourg from 2002-04.

Magdala was founded in 1989 as Magdala Opera Trust, a registered charity. In 2005 the Trust was incorporated under the name "Magdala" (Company No. 5341425) and the company was registered as a charity (Charity No. 1108553).

It has its registered office at 12 Gorsey Road, Mapperley Park, Nottingham. NG3 4JL and the Directors of the Company are:- Liz Fradd (Chair), Linda Byfield (Company Secretary), Martin Wakeling (Treasurer), Kate Foale and Nina Camilleri.