Wellbeing For Winter: Opera North Offers A Host Of Feelgood Activities

Over the coming months, Opera North is looking to spark creativity and boost wellbeing with a range of activities designed to benefit body and mind through singing and performance.

By popular demand, From Couch to Chorus returns on Tuesday 5 November. The award-winning online singing course has attracted over 4,000 worldwide participants since its launch in 2020. Perfect for anyone who loves to sing, the meet-ups are held over Zoom so they can be accessed from the comfort of people’s homes wherever they live in the world. Suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced choir-goers, the course has been designed to give everyone the opportunity to experience the wellbeing brought about by group singing, regardless of whether they have any previous singing experience or are able to read music.

Running for four weeks, this year’s Festive Edition will give participants an opportunity to master a selection of fun-to-learn operatic choruses with the help of two vocal teachers. Repertoire includes the rousing ‘Easter Hymn’ from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and the suitably festive ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Handel’s Messiah, as well as two choruses from the company’s upcoming opera season: the ‘Priest Chorus’ from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and ‘Fair is Rose’ sung by the bridesmaids in Gilbert & Sullivan’s gothic parody Ruddigore. On Tuesday 26 November, the Chorus of Opera North will join everyone for a finale event streamed live from the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds, with the chance for people to attend a side-by-side rehearsal with the Chorus beforehand. From Couch to Chorus is being offered on a Pay as You Can basis and will be held over Zoom to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

The following month sees the start of a new initiative Sing ON: Take to the Stage. Building on the success of the company’s Sing ON and Sing ONwards sessions, this latest iteration is the most exciting yet, leading to a public performance on 31 January 2025 on the Leeds Grand Theatre stage. At the event, the singers will be accompanied by the full Orchestra of Opera North conducted by Opera North Music Director Garry Walker. To prepare, the participants are invited to attend four in-person Thursday evening rehearsals at Opera North’s home in Leeds. During the sessions, they will be introduced to popular classic operatic repertoire under the guidance of a vocal tutor and pianist. It is not necessary to be able to read music and all voice types are encouraged to get involved. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

Jacqui Cameron, Opera North Education Director, said:
“By offering both online and in-person options, we’re keen to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to experience the feelgood factor which singing with other people brings. Research has shown again and again that interacting with music helps us feel better, as we get to share an activity with like-minded people, while giving our vocal cords a valuable workout and, perhaps most importantly, have fun. For both From Couch to Chorus and Sing ON: Take to the Stage, we’ve chosen upbeat repertoire to ensure everyone enjoys what they’re singing even if they weren’t aware of that particular piece before.”

Anyone with just a few minutes a day to focus on wellbeing can try Opera North Reconnect series, available on the website. Free on demand, these short videos are presented by soprano Marie Claire Breen who invites people to reconnect with their body, breath and voice in a moment of calm.

Jacqui continued:
“We realise times can be tough for people, particularly in the darker months of the year. We hope these initiatives will provide some vital positivity, connection and joy for everyone, whether they join us in person or online and whatever their previous engagement with music.”

Further details and bookings can be made at www.operanorth.co.uk.