OPERA North has launched a digital choir for people missing out on attending their usual singing group during lockdown.

The choir, which is operating during July and August, is also aimed at people who fancy having a go at mastering opera from their living room.

From Couch to Chorus comprises weekly sessions over Zoom with participants being taught operatic excerpts by a Professional Choral Director, with input from members of the Chorus of Opera North. You

Each hour-long session has been specifically prepared for soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices. No previous experience or ability to read music is required and help will be given for those who are not sure which session to join.

By the end, the choir will be able to sing choruses from Bizet’s Carmen and Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, as well as the rousing Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s Nabucco. In the final workshop, singers from all vocal parts will join together online to perform a full virtual chorus.

The idea for the project grew out of the popularity of Sing ON, weekly face-to-face singing sessions which Opera North held in a variety of venues around Leeds prior to the current restrictions.

Opera North’s Education have continued to deliver the sessions online, with the feedback showing how much they have been appreciated by people who might otherwise feel lonely and isolated during lockdown.

In the new sessions, various resources are being used to help people master the basics of opera easily.

Visit operanorth.co.uk for further information.