Business Details
9 Years
experience
Contemporary Dance Theatre & Opera Productions
Company Carpi is a contemporary dance theatre and opera production company founded in 2017 by Bettina Carpi and Gary Lloyd. We specialise in creating innovative hybrid performances that combine dance, live music, and literature to explore pressing societal issues. Our work features collaborations with award-winning writers, poets, and musicians, including partnerships with Costa Award winners and renowned orchestral ensembles. We prioritise live musical accompaniment in all performances, integrating string quintets from leading UK orchestras. Through process-driven, collaborative creation, we address themes of climate crisis, equality, and human connection.Our productions have toured nationally, including performances at Chester Cathedral and Parr Hall Warrington. We actively engage emerging artists and community groups, aiming to make contemporary dance accessible to diverse audiences. Funded by Arts Council England and regional partners, we received a One Dance UK Award nomination for our 2023 tour. Our manifesto emphasizes artistic innovation, societal commentary, and cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Services
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Opera Productions
Community Workshops
Live Music Performances
Arts Education Programs
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Award-nominated productions with 7+ years of innovative performance history
- Collaborations with Costa Award-winning writers and leading orchestral musicians
- Specialist in climate crisis and equality-themed performances
- Combines dance, live music, and literature in unique hybrid productions
- Community-focused approach with emerging artist development programs
What people say
Powerful climate messaging
Stunning artistic fusion
Award-nominated production
Exceptional musical accompaniment
Thought-provoking performances
Services
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Award-nominated dance theatre productions that merge movement with literary and musical elements. Our works address societal themes through collaborative creation with writers and musicians. Each performance features professional dancers and bespoke art installations.
Opera Productions
Innovative operatic works combining live orchestral music with dance and literary texts. Recent productions include commissioned pieces from Costa Award-winning authors performed by leading UK musicians.
Community Workshops
Engagement programs connecting local communities with our creative process. These sessions develop emerging talent and provide behind-the-scenes access to our production methods and artistic philosophy.
Live Music Performances
Specialist live musical accompaniment featuring string quintets from leading UK orchestras. Our productions integrate classical and contemporary compositions with dance and spoken word elements.
Arts Education Programs
Development initiatives for emerging artists across multiple disciplines. Programs focus on cross-artform collaboration, performance creation, and exploring societal themes through contemporary artistic expression.
People
Bettina Carpi
Co-Founder & Choreographer
Award-winning dancer and choreographer with 15+ years experience creating innovative dance theatre. Graduated from London Contemporary Dance School, specialising in hybrid performance forms combining literature and movement.
Gary Lloyd
Co-Founder & Composer
Composer and producer with extensive experience in operatic and orchestral works. Collaborated with Scottish Session Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra musicians. Specialises in creating music for interdisciplinary performance pieces.
Questions
What types of performances does Company Carpi create?
We specialise in hybrid dance theatre and opera productions that combine live music, literature, and social commentary, focusing on themes like climate crisis and equality.
Do you work with established artists?
Yes, we collaborate with Costa Award-winning writers, leading orchestral musicians, and renowned poets in our productions.
How can communities get involved?
We offer community workshops and partner with local groups for each production, providing opportunities for emerging artists and audience engagement.
Where can I see your performances?
Our recent tours covered North West UK venues including Chester Cathedral, Parr Hall Warrington, and Manchester's Whitworth Gallery.
How are your productions funded?
We receive support from Arts Council England, Dance Consortia North West, and venue partnerships to develop our innovative works.
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