Opera is not an interest that most people would associate with the homeless but a partnership between Swansea City Opera (SCO) and Swansea’s Dragon Arts & Learning Centre (DAL) has created Wales’ first ‘Street Opera’ - From Cars to Mars. The performance will premiere at the new National Waterfront Museum, Swansea on Wednesday, 24 May at 4.30pm and 6.30pm as part of the internationally celebrated Adult Learners’ Week. The term ‘Street Opera’ has been adopted for this project due to its incorporation of members from DAL, part of the Cyrenians Cymru charity which supports homeless, formerly homeless and unemployed people. The production takes place amid the transport exhibits in the less than traditional but exciting setting of the National Waterfront Museum and takes a light-hearted look at transport development through the ages. The project is the result of a partnership which began 15-months ago, when members of DAL attended two workshop sessions with The Opera School Wales in Criag y Nos. The universal appeal of hearing quality singing in the flesh helped them overcome any negative preconceptions of Opera being an elitist art-form. Since October ’05, a programme of weekly workshops have been held in DAL’s music room led by Andrew Gallacher (SCO Education Officer), Phillip Sunderland (SCO Director of Music) and Bridgett Gill (SCO General Manager). The regular workshops took participants through many of the techniques involved in setting and performing an Opera, including writing a work for the stage. The outcome, with SCO’s guidance, was the creation of From Cars to Mars, in which a large proportion of the melodic and poetic elements have been put together by the members. On the collaboration Bridgett Gill comments, “This has been a tremendously challenging and we hope, rewarding project which has only been made possible with funding by the Lottery Commission through the ‘Arts About Swansea’ programme.” Tim Bull, Head of DAL adds, “When you are down on your luck without a job and, in some cases, without a proper home, participating in a project like ‘From Cars to Mars’ is a tremendous boost to individual confidence and can make a real difference in wanting to move on. I would like to thank SCO on behalf of members for their support, guidance and encouragement and the Lottery Commission, for helping make this project happen.” The performance will last approximately 45-minutes and includes a five-piece chamber orchestra and a cast of nine with lead roles for the three professional singers, which include Kate Woolveridge who has performed for both SCO and Welsh National Opera (WNO). Certain to be a first-class production and with a limited number seats available, we strongly advise booking as early as possible. Tickets are just £5 and include a buffet at 7.30pm. Why not book today by contacting 01874 690254. ............ Swansea City Opera was formed in 2004 with the inspired foresight and financial support of the City and County of Swansea. Swansea City Opera is committed to maintaining high standards of production and musical excellence, presenting socially convivial and accessible opera; procuring some of the finest singers and orchestral players in the country. Swansea City Opera provides a nationwide touring schedule, assisting with the cultural development of Wales and Swansea, whilst offering chorus/understudy opportunities to gifted young Welsh singers and help further their careers within the opera discipline. |
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| Lisa e-mail: lisa@marketingspin.co.uk |
Saturday, May 13, 2006 |
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