The Inspiration and Origins of Les Azuriales

Les Azuriales Opera was founded by London lawyer, Sarah Holford and her husband, Mark , in 1997 as a summer festival taking place in the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat, the Mediterranean's most exclusive location.

Since then Les Azuriales Opera has presented 15 seasons with more than 40 operas both as own productions and in co-operation with its musical partner, Diva Opera. The performances provided the select company of 200 guests with unforgettable evenings of opera in a fairytale setting.
 
In 2003 we started a singing competition and in 2008 a programme for Young Artists. Our reputation has steadily grown with a number of our alumni going on to join the Jette Parker Young Artists programme at the Royal Opera House and and winning of some of Europe’s leading singing competitions, such as the Kathleen Ferrier Prize and the Montserrat Caballe Prize.
 
In 2011 a number of factors caused us to close the Festival including:
 
  • The Festival had achieved most of its artistic goals
  • Costs (venue. travel ,accommodation and production) kept rising but our capacity remained the same.
  • The original model of an organisation built around family and friends was not sustainable in the long term.
So having had a wonderful 15 years, we (Sarah and Mark) have refocused our energies where we believe we can make a difference by helping Young Artists develop their careers. Nevertheless we will continue to produce three performances a year in the Villa Ephrussi privately for Sponsors and the Company of Angels.

Apply for the 2012 Young Artists Programme

Apply for the 2012 Young Artists Programme today, find out more and download our application form.

Werther Wins Top Prize

Jung Soo Yun, the winner of the 2010 Ozone Les Azuriales Prize and who played the title role in Werther this year, has just won the very prestigious Montserrat Caballe Prize. He says of Azuriales Opera: “It was a joy to be with other singers in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Much of my success is thanks to Les Azuriales Opera, giving me connections and opportunities”. Jung Soo epitomizes want we want to achieve. We believe that he is a great singer and has the potential to have a stellar career.