Imagine – an opera in Shields – who are you kidding?
When I first heard about the North Shields Opera Chorus collaborating with Tête à Tête and the Royal Northern Sinfonia, I thought someone was having a laugh. Opera? In North Shields? But, to my surprise, it’s real, it’s happening, and it’s fantastic!
Experience the magnificent sounds of the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus joined by our new North Shields Opera Chorus, all performing alongside three opera stars, dance company Bee Enchanted, and children from local schools.
This unique event is offering a golden opportunity for local people, whether they’ve been singing all their lives or are completely new to it, to perform alongside opera stars from right here in the North East and the full might of the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Curious and excited, I was invited to join one of the rehearsals to see what all the fuss was about.
As I entered the rehearsal space, I intended to keep a low profile, listening to the excited mutterings of the chorus from the back. However, the arrival of local music director Tim Burke soon commanded everyone’s attention. The gentle murmurings ceased, and on Tim’s direction, the group began warming up. I couldn’t resist joining in, letting out my own dulcet tones—it was so uplifting. There was a real sense of unity and community in the room.
conductor and composer at the Royal Northern Sinfonia in Newcastle and music director at Tête à Tête (image courtesy of Timothy Burke)
Despite my efforts to remain inconspicuous, I was gently ushered forward, along with a few others, to help create a more cohesive sound. I was intrigued to see how our warm-up would transition to opera, and how the different proficiency levels among the singers would play out. As we began working on ‘The March of the Torreadors’ from Carmen, the transformation was incredible.
Syllable by syllable, we focused on pronunciation and phrasing. The repetition was key, and under Tim’s entertaining and expert guidance, the chorus came alive; humorously reminding us of the challenge we faced—practicing a “French opera, set in Spain, but with an Italian accent!”
Celebrating the spirit and creativity of our communities, I urge everyone – whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or brand new to the genre – to come along and see them in action. This is not just about music; it’s about community, joy!
