WITH OPERA NORTH

Recognising the role that singing and performance can play in improving wellbeing and creating a sense of community, Opera North is bringing back its award-winning From Couch to Chorus singing sessions next month, while offering a host of other in-person and virtual activities to encourage people to make and enjoy music together.

From Couch to Chorus: Sing into Spring 2022 launches online on Wednesday 2 March. Over 4,750 people have signed up for previous editions with many citing an increase in wellbeing as one of the major benefits: “It has been a beacon in these difficult times to have an appointment to meet with other people and do something so uplifting.”  During March, the participants will spend four weeks mastering operatic repertoire from Bizet’s Carmen, Handel’s Alcina and Sullivan’s The Emerald Isle, before all coming together for a celebratory finale. There will also be the chance take part in a side-by-side rehearsal with Chorus of Opera North at The Lowry, Nottingham, Newcastle and Leeds.

Open to complete beginners through to experienced choir-goers, the hour-long sessions are pay-as-you-feel and are held over Zoom in the evenings. Participants are split by voice type which can either be determined online or with the help of the Education team. There is no requirement to read music.

For those living in Leeds, Sing ON daytime choir sessions are held weekly at various venues across the city including at Opera North’s new home, the Howard Opera Centre. As well as providing an opportunity for people to test their vocal skills with a range of musical styles from folk songs and show tunes to opera, the relaxed meet-ups provide a welcoming space to socialise with other people who love to sing. Each hour-long session costs £6 including refreshments on arrival and no previous singing experience is necessary. The virtual version, Sing ONline, is held over Zoom and offers a similar opportunity to sing with others each week, but without the need to travel. Sessions are payable in blocks of four weeks for £24 with the link to join sent after registration.

For those who prefer to listen rather than sing, Opera North is holding its first relaxed concert, Enchanted, in the Howard Assembly Room at 4pm on Saturday 5 March with tickets available for £5. The event has been designed for anyone who would feel more comfortable enjoying operatic music in an informal setting, including children, neurodivergent adults and anyone with sensory or communication needs. Low lighting will be left on throughout, there will be a choice of seating, including cushions and armchairs, and people are free to move around as they wish while listening to singers and musicians performing arias by Handel, Purcell and Monteverdi.

The value of music in dementia care has been widely documented with a recognition that it may be helpful in assisting in the retention of language skills, aiding memory recall, and facilitating both verbal and non-verbal communication in a creative, enjoyable way. People living with dementia and their carers can interact with music on a regular basis with Opera North’s Melodic Memories sessions which are held in the Howard Opera Centre each month in conjunction with Peer Support, a Leeds City Council service. The participants are given the chance to enjoy refreshments and socialise together before taking part in a variety of craft and musical activities led by Marie Claire Breen.

Live music is also a key part of the next ON After Hours session in the Howard Assembly Room. Having explored creativity and composition in previous workshops, this one will focus on restorative yoga. Benefiting both body and mind, the event will provide a chance to unwind after work with an hour of deeply relaxing yoga poses led by teacher Gerry Turvey to the accompaniment of John Ball playing santoor. As Gerry explains:   With the original date selling out in days, another is already in the pipeline.

Bookings for all the activities can be made online at operanorth.co.uk. Opera North’s wellbeing work is generously supported by The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, The Emerald Foundation and The McLay Dementia Trust.