Community Chorus workshops

WORKSHOP AT HYMERS COLLEGE, HULL WITH HULL FREEDOM CHORUS

Over the summer OperaUpClose have delivered a series of creative singing workshops to gather material for our new production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman touring summer 2023. We have collaborated with groups of singers in five areas around the country who have come together to learn and record a newly written chorus by composer Laura Bowler and librettist Glyn Maxwell. The recordings from each of these sessions are to be mixed together and will feature in the final production when it tours across the UK next year, creating a national sound representing coastal communities. Originally the ‘Ghost Chorus’ in ACT 3 of Wagner’s opera Laura and Glyn have reimagined the chorus to represent a group of displaced people travelling to seek refuge.  

Workshops were open access, with no requirement to read music, and were held in Southampton, Hull, Bristol, London and Blackpool with 66 people taking part. In Hull and Bristol our groups had sung together before but in Southampton, London and Blackpool it was the first-time singers had come together. A multi-generational group was led by soprano and vocal animateur Lynsey Docherty in Southampton. In Hull, Bristol, London and Blackpool conductor and vocal leader Michael Betteridge led people in an exploration of how to use their voice to create character and drama.   

‘It was wonderful to be singing after a long break (because of) lockdown.’

Feedback participant, London 

‘My 10 year old loved the entire experience as did I. It is a very fun, encouraging and wonderful experience.’

Feedback participant, Southampton 

‘The style of teaching was very positive and gave me greater confidence.’ 

Feedback participant, Blackpool

Despite extreme weather and train delays, we had a wonderful time collaborating with new people in new places, connecting us to the communities that we will be touring to, and further developing the character and sound of the opera.  

‘Invigorating (even on the hottest day of forever); challenging (who needs Wagner?); inspiring’

Feedback participant, London

The sessions were accompanied by David Gostick (Southampton, Bristol and London) and Christopher Pulleyn (Hull and Blackpool) and expertly recorded by sound designer and engineer, Matthew Fairclough. Our partners were MAST and SoundPop Academy in Southampton; Hull Freedom Chorus; the Wellbeing Choir at Bristol Old Vic; Grand Junction, London; and Grand Theatre Blackpool. A big thank you to all who came to the sessions and to our partners and venues who helped to bring us all together.   

‘Astounded at what a group of people can do with the right guidance and support. I may be an opera convert!’

Feedback participant, Southampton  

It is very exciting to use my 'opera voice' in a group - the opportunity doesn't come up very often

Feedback participant, Hull

We hope to see you at one of our ‘Flying Dutchman’ performances on tour next year.