Birmingham Opera Company is aiming to switch the city’s business community on to arias as it gears up to stage one of its most ambitious productions yet.

The company, whose much praised interpretation of Othello was screened on the BBC earlier this year, has commissioned a brand new opera which will have its world premiere in Birmingham on March 21.

Written by leading British composer Jonathan Dove with writer Alistair Middleton, Life Is A Dream, is based on a famous 17th century Spanish play by the writer Calderon de la Barca and considered by many to be the ‘Hamlet’ of the Spanish speaking world.

In the build-up to its premiere Birmingham Opera Company hopes to forge stronger links with the business world, in part to maximise ticket sales but also to give those who want a taste of the limelight the chance to come on board and take part.

The appeal for members of the business community to step into the spotlight follows on from the setting up of the Colmore Chorus, an opera company offshoot which has seen aspiring singers from the business world perform at public events this year.

Colmore Chorus was the result of a collaboration between Colmore Business District and the opera company and saw the establishment of a highly successful choir made up of 30 employees from firms in the Business Improvement District (BID).

Its 30 members come from a variety of companies including GBR Phoenix Beard, Buller Jeffries and Grayling.

Formed initially to perform at Artsfest in September its success has seen several further performances and a packed seasonal schedule.

Jean Nicholson, general manager of Birmingham Opera Company, said: “One of the exercises we undertook to introduce people to the company was the Colmore Chorus.

“We were keen to try and offer an activity that could be provided across various businesses in the commercial community.

“Initially it was time defined, a half-hour show for Artsfest but at the end of that people said we would like to do some more.

“After arranging Christmas carols and music the chorus did a performance for the Christmas lights parade and there are three or four more planned in partnership with the BID, one outside Snow Hill station on December 1 and others at Urban Coffee Company and Gingers.”

Engaging with the city’s many communities is a high priority for Birmingham Opera Company, each production sees around 200 people of different ages, faiths, cultures, education, social background and professions come forward to perform in an often highly unusual theatre space.

For members of the business world keen to become involved Ms Nicholson believes there are additional advantages, with performers benefiting from the kind of professional coaching that can stand them in good stead.

“Those who take part will benefit in many ways, everything from vocal coaching performing, things that will help in the business world when it comes to presentations and the like - covering everything from vocal delivery to posture.”

Ms Nicholson also hopes business people will take time out from their busy schedules to support the event itself and as a result will realise how lucky the city is from a cultural perspective.

“What we have in this city is the envy of other cities internationally and people should make use of it,” she said. “That is why we are making a bid to open conversations with the business community.”

The company also sees itself as part of that community, working alongside the wider business world to enhance and improve what Birmingham has to offer.

“We are a Birmingham business, an employer and a provider,” added Ms Nicholson. “A part of the wider creative sector, playing a part in making Birmingham an attractive and interesting place for people live here or people who might be interested in investing here.”

And although the company is keen to develop sponsorship initiatives with businesses and foster closer links Ms Nicholson says it is not going cap in hand for handouts.

Although its Arts Council funding – and, as a result, matched city council funding – was under threat some time back, it has now secured an enviable five-year deal.

“I think the cultural sector and the business sector could use each other better,” said Ms Nicholson. I think we have more in common than it may at first appear in terms of the wider profile of the city and I think it is worth having some conversations about these things.

“Life is a Dream director Graham Vick might spend most of his day job in the massive opera houses of the world but in a highly illustrious career he comes back to Birmingham year after year and has a long-term commutment to this city.

“This will generate press attention nationally and internationally. It is quite an event and not something you do every week.”