Opus Anglicanum (Charity)

Opus Anglicanum is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization and male vocal quintet dedicated to performing and promoting early and medieval music. The organization operates as a registered charity (Charity number 1083865) and is known for its unique and varied programmes that combine music and narration.

Musical Work and Performances

The ensemble has established a reputation for their daring and sensitive musical programmes, which often feature medieval carols and other early music repertoires. They have appeared frequently at renowned festivals and venues across the UK, including the Thaxted Festival, Wells Cathedral (notably their annual sell-out concert of Medieval Carols), Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton, Kings Place in London, The Three Choirs Festival, The Two Moors Festival, Chipping Campden Music Festival, Dorchester Arts Festival, SJE Arts in Oxford, and the St Martin’s-in-the-Field Spring/Summer Festival. Their performances have also been broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

In addition to their traditional repertoire, Opus Anglicanum has engaged in innovative cross-genre collaborations. A notable project involved working with jazz pianist Jason Rebello to develop a new improvisation project, culminating in the release of the album Adorna in January 2022 on the Ulysees Arts label.

Organization and Patronage

The organization is governed by a board of trustees comprising Dr. Frances Hogwood, Jenny Slater, Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, Roland Robertson, John Rowlands-Pritchard, John Bowen, Jonathan Geoghegan, and Carla Huhtanen. Its patrons include celebrated English tenor James Gilchrist, who sang with the group in its early years, and Dame Emma Kirkby, a distinguished figure in early music performance.

Name and Distinction

Though sharing its name with the famous medieval English embroidery style called "Opus Anglicanum," this organization is distinct and focuses on music. The embroidery term refers to an English medieval art form of exquisite needlework, while the charity’s mission centers on historical musical performance.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information about the UK charity Opus Anglicanum as a musical ensemble and nonprofit organization.

[1] https://www.opusanglicanum.org [2] https://www.opusanglicanum.org/home [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/3970927 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/constituency-search/-/charity-details/3970927/contact-information [5] https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cca/research/arthistoryresearch/projectsandnetworks/opusanglicanum/