Opera

Having concentrated in recent Summer Schools on various technical aspects of opera, the main purpose of the 2023 Course will be to focus on the skills – and fun - involved in performing in an opera chorus.

The vehicle for this will be Richard Rodney Bennett’s “opera for young people”, All the King’s Men. Copies of the score, a synopsis and other information about the opera are readily accessible online.

This was first staged in 1969 by Coventry Schools and is less musically demanding than the operas used on this course in recent years. This will enable all participating students, including those less confident or experienced, to be fully involved in the whole “production”, and will enhance the sense of collective. If anyone thought it might be fun to take part in an opera, but felt s/he lacked the necessary experience or skill, this year’s course provides the ideal opportunity to try it out.

Besides the choral sections, which are either unison or two-part, there are also several character roles, both sung and spoken.

Everyone on the course will take part in All the King’s Men but in addition, for any students wishing for something more challenging, and prepared to learn and memorise more demanding material in advance of the School, an opportunity can be provided to rehearse and perform separately a short scene from Vaughan Williams’ Pilgrim’s Progress. Please let the tutor know if you would like to be involved.

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