Vocalists can take part in opera festival events
SINGERS of all abilities can exercise their vocal cords at an opera festival in the town.
Hinckley Opera Festival 2019 is to include two free events where vocalists can tune their voices and hone their melodic skills.
The Come and Sing event is an opportunity for singers of all abilities to join musical director Janet Bacon and members of the Stanley Opera chorus in an afternoon of singing.
Participants will learn three pieces, the Grand March from Bizet’s Carmen, the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s Nabucco and an arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, which they will then perform at the end of the afternoon.
Mike Hargrave of festival organisers Stanley Opera said: “This is the perfect opportunity for anybody, from beginner to the most experienced singer, to come and take part in a rehearsal alongside the Stanley Opera chorus.
“It will be great fun.”
A Vocal Masterclass will also take place as part of the festival, a chance for more experienced singers to learn from coach David Barrell and accompanist Nigel Foster.
Singers aged 30 and under will prepare an aria for a morning class and receive tuition from Mr Barrell while the adults will work on their techniques in the afternoon.
Audiences are welcome to attend the event and see how vocal coaches draw out and shape singers’ strengths.
The singers will then perform their pieces at a recital on the following day.
Mr Hargrave said: “We are thrilled that David and Nigel agreed to come to Hinckley to take the masterclass.
“What an opportunity for local singers.”
The Come and Sing event is on April 6 from 2pm.
The Vocal Masterclass is on March 30 with the morning session from 10am to 1pm with a 20 minute interval and the afternoon session from 2pm to 5pm with a 20 minute interval.
All the events are taking place at the United Reformed Church in The Borough.
Applications for the masterclass need to be made through the festival website.
Arts Council England funding for the festival means tickets for the events are free.
Hinckley Opera Festival is running from March 30 to April 13.
Tickets for all festival events will be available from January 26.