What if opera became a space of expression for those who are rarely heard? With pOpera, the EME Foundation turns an art form often perceived as elitist into a radically open tool for inclusion. This community opera, currently in development, brings together refugees and residents of Luxembourg to co-create, compose, and perform their own opera production. Here, no prior experience is required: only the willingness to share, commit, and resonate together matters.

A Co-Creation from Start to Finish

The process began in 2023 and follows a structured yet human timeline. Since February 2024, participants have been co-constructing the opera's story, laying the foundation for a collective narrative. Currently, musical composition is underway, while weekly singing workshops bring project members together to strengthen both vocal and human cohesion. Choir rehearsals will commence in September 2025, leading up to the final performance on April 23, 2026.

"Over the months, we've witnessed a true community emerge. Participants now refer to it as 'family' – a space of trust, welcome, and recognition.", Sarah Bergdoll explains.

Harmonizing Linguistic and Cultural Diversity

Challenges abound, starting with language barriers: Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian, English, French… Real-time translations were often necessary to maintain group cohesion. "We implemented a multilingual system via WhatsApp, with invaluable help from bilingual participants. This self-organization fostered a dynamic of solidarity."

Cultural differences in time management were also observed – ranging from extreme punctuality to habitual delays – but were embraced within the project's benevolent spirit. The team relies on patience, listening, and flexibility to turn these differences into strengths.

Moments of Grace and Transformation

Even before the grand premiere, pOpera has already held two performances, each attended by over 300 people. The feedback was deeply moving. "For many participants, it was their first time on stage. They were proud, profoundly moved. And the audience felt the same."

Beyond artistic performance, it's the human experience that transforms. Some project members arrive bearing trauma, isolation, depression, or even dark thoughts. Through music, pOpera offers them a breath, a light, a new meaning.

A Long-Term Vision

After the 2026 performance, the EME Foundation doesn't plan to stop there. The goal is to maintain the group as a regular choir, provide it with a sustainable structure, and even consider a national tour to bring pOpera's voice to other places and contexts. "We want this project to leave a lasting imprint on Luxembourg society, contributing to changing perceptions of migration, difference, and coexistence."

The project's motto perfectly reflects its spirit: "Community Opera: Come and feel the great music and let the opera renew the humanity that dwells within us."

pOpera is a space where local residents and newcomers – be they refugees or simply new to Luxembourg – can meet, exchange, and support each other. This blend is precious: locals can not only support those discovering life in Luxembourg but also forge friendships and share experiences. It's an initiative that allows not only for expression through opera but also for creating social bonds and strengthening the community fabric.

And to truly grasp the scope of what pOpera embodies, the team extends an invitation: "Join us on April 23, 2026. Come sing with us, listen to our voices, feel our story. Here, opera is no longer a static fiction: it's life itself, reinvented by those who live it."