Following the success of the digital choir in the summer attended by more than 2,000 people, a special Festive Edition of Opera North's From Couch to Chorus starts on 11 November.
There will be five weekly one-hour sessions, each specifically prepared for four different voice types (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), led by a professional choral director over Zoom, with input from members of the Chorus of Opera North. No previous experience or ability to read music is required, but The Festive Edition will include a new Fast Track option where singers of all voice types will come together for two evening sessions with the chance to progress at a faster pace.
By the end, everyone will be able to sing excerpts from Puccini’s La bohème while the soprano and alto singers will have learnt the "Evening Prayer" from Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel and the tenor and bass voices will be able to sing Sullivan’s "The Marquis de Mince Pie" for a concluding online festive concert.
Jacqui Cameron, Education Director at Opera North, said, “the popularity of our original From Couch to Chorus sessions in the summer proved just how many people were missing their usual choir meet-ups at a time when the wellbeing benefits offered by group singing were most needed. We’re delighted therefore to be able to offer everyone another opportunity to be part of a virtual choir this year.
“One of the great advantages of offering sessions digitally is that people can access them whatever their circumstances. With the Festive Edition, we’re looking forward to sharing some operatic repertoire, alongside more traditional seasonal fare, with singers of all abilities wherever they live.”