Neither bound to the concert hall, nor restricted by musical styles, Opus 20 is more than a string ensemble.

Founded in 1985 by Ann Morfee and director Scott Stroman, Opus 20 plays music of this century. Its original repertoire for strings has been enhanced with the addition of music for mixed ensemble, chamber orchestra, jazz collaborations and music theatre.

The ensemble has recorded extensively for the BBC, and has given many concerts in conjunction with the Society for the Promotion of New Music (SPNM). It has appeared in festivals throughout Britain, including Bath, Lichfield and Almeida, and presented its own concert series at the South Bank and St. John's Smith Square, London.

Opus 20 has developed a venue for concerts at Christ Church, Highbury, attracting audiences from the local community. This has contributed to the creation of the Highbury Festival of the Arts. Further abroad Opus 20 has toured the USA, Mexico and South America, giving concerts and conducting workshops with students and local composers.

An annual residency at the Dartington Summer School has involved the ensemble with chamber music coaching and participation with David Bedford's film composers' course.

Opus 20 has premiered many new compositions and has worked with interesting musicians such as Mervin Africa, Jacqui Dankworth, Tim Garland, John Harle, Louise Hopkins, Kate Lucas, Don Lusher, Janice Watson, and Kenny Wheeler.