NEXT year Bolton's own opera group, Opera 74, celebrates its Silver Jubilee. The group was founded in 1974 by musicians Margaret Lindsay and Michael Greenhalgh. Their objective was to present quality opera productions to Bolton audiences at affordable prices. They started with relatively small productions staged mainly at Bolton Little Theatre but with some performances at the Bolton School theatre and also at the Octagon Theatre.

They responded magnificently when the re-built Albert Halls opened in 1985, staging a full-scale production of Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffman.

Since 1985, all Opera 74's productions have been staged at the Albert Halls with the group maintaining high standards. They have been greatly helped in this by generous support from sponsors and friends.

Opera 74's 1999 season starts on January 16. They have accepted Bolton Symphony Orchestra's invitation to join them for the annual New Year Concert.

From May 10, they will present three performances of Gounod's Faust and, on November 6, they will stage their Silver Jubilee Gala Concert which will include selected highlights from some of their past productions.

This concert will be accompanied by the Opera 74 orchestra and will be conducted by their Musical Director Paul Payton.

These performances will be staged at the Albert Halls. For further details and tickets telephone 01204 592064.

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