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Belfast Operatic Company (BOC) is an amateur company that performs musicals and concerts throughoutIreland. It was founded in 1960 by John Mercer inBelfast,Northern Ireland.[1]
The company performed the Irish première ofTitanic the Musical in 2005, for which it won awards from theAssociation of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS),[2] and again in 2007.[citation needed] BOC performs several shows each year at theGrand Opera House, Belfast.[3] In May 2009, the company performed a sell-out run of the musical,Hello, Dolly!, obtaining positive reviews[citation needed] and earning the lead role,Dolly Levi, played by Laura Kerr, a nomination for Best Actress from AIMS.[citation needed]
In 2009, BOC moved into a new purpose-built rehearsal studio located in EastBelfast, with modern facilities, multiple rehearsal rooms and a social area to congregate after rehearsals.[citation needed] The company has over 100 members who meet each Monday evening to prepare for their busy concert schedule.
In March 2010, the company's 50th year in production, Belfast Operatic Company performedBeauty and the Beast at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.[citation needed]
In March 2023, BOC performed Disney'sThe Hunchback of Notre Dame and recently finished their run ofThe Phantom of The Opera at The Theatre at The Mill in May 2024. They are currently producing the UK & Ireland amateur premiere production ofLes Misérables[4] which will take place in a sold-outGrand Opera House from 4th-8th March 2025.
The following are key members:[5]
Photographs fromHello, Dolly! at theGrand Opera House, Belfast, May 2009:
