Blog
Do you love listening to opera singers like Pavarotti, but maybe never thought to give it a go yourself? Or you love to sing but have never considered that opera could be for you? Perhaps you’ve only ever sang in the shower!
Paisley Opera is on a mission to unite the community through music and prove absolutely everyone can sing and enjoy opera.
They have a free free taster session on Sunday 5 March (2pm-5pm) at Holy Trinity & St Barnabus Church Hall, Back Sneddon Street, Paisley – your chance to meet new people and see what it’s all about!
Eilidh Riddell is taking part for the first time and she told us a little more:
“I will be joining Paisley Opera as a newbie from Sunday, but what I do know is that Paisley Opera is a community opera company founded on the principles of making the joy and friendship that opera brings accessible to everyone who is brave enough to come along and try it out.
“They’ve built a community of music lovers who are able to bond over all aspects of life, including singing wonderful music together.
“You can be old or young, you don’t have to be able to read music or do an audition – and the best part is you’ll get the opportunity to sing with a fantastic orchestra and professional opera singers.
Verdi’s Macbeth
“My first experience of singing was in a similar community opera group, which was the entire reason I went on to study music at university. So I’m very excited to join Paisley Opera at the taster session for their production of Verdi’s Macbeth.
“If you know the Shakespeare play that it’s based on, you’ll be familiar with the story. If not, that’s not a problem – we will be singing in a unique ‘Paislean’ translation, as they have done for their previous productions of La Bohème and A Paisley Kiss.
“Verdi’s music is also extremely tuneful (think of The Drinking Song from La Traviata) so I’m sure that by five o’clock, lots of us have the melodies stuck in our heads for quite a wee while!
The Taster Session
“The taster session itself will start at 2pm with an introduction from founder, Simon Hannigan, and members of the team. Then everyone will start to warm up our voices and sing together – easy pace and no pressure!
“Next we’ll split into two groups to start to learn a wee bit of the music from Macbeth with a well-earned tea break in the middle!
“Once we’ve sung in our groups some more, there will be a solo performance from one of our professional singers, and then it’s time to come together to sing what we’ve learned in the afternoon.
“Whether you’re a seasoned opera singer who’s looking for a great performance opportunity in your neighbourhood, or you just fancy coming along to meet new people and see if it’s for you – Paisley Opera will give you a very warm welcome. I’ll definitely be chatting to as many people as I can!
“If you would like to let us know you’ll be there, you can send an email saying just that to register@paisleyopera.org, or feel free to just show up on the day.
“Looking forward to seeing you there!”
