Pop-up opera hits a high note with Paisley shoppers
Passion not posh is our aim, says director
Shoppers enjoyed a free rendition of some opera classics at the weekend.
Paisley Opera performed at the Piazza Shopping Centre on Saturday afternoon to share their love of opera with the people of the town.
Around 100 people of all ages stopped to hear the group perform classic pieces like Nessun Dorma and Toreador Song from Carmen.
Simon Hannigan, artistic director of Paisley Opera, said: “It was great. We were really pleased with the turnout and we had a very warm reception from everyone.
“Jean Cameron, the head of Paisley 2021 came along as well, which was nice.
“We’ve done some small pop-up gigs before, but nothing like this.”
Paisley Opera began in February this year. Simon, who is a singer for Scottish Opera, lives in Paisley and saw an opportunity to bring opera to the town and encourage more people to experience it.
He said: “Our tagline is passion not posh. So many people say opera isn’t for them, but I find if you go out there and show people what is great about opera then they do get into it.”
The groups’s next project is a show on the Paisley witches which they’ll perform in Paisley Abbey on Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9.
Maureen Hill, Piazza Shopping Centre manager, said: “Paisley Opera’s performance within the centre on Saturday afternoon was truly fantastic.
“It was very well received by shoppers and retailers and we were delighted to be able to host the event.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about Paisley Opera can check their website paisleyopera. org
We were really pleased with the turnout and had a very warm reception