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Welcome to Operamus, Birmingham's vibrant new opera company!
Operamus was launched in 2004 by a small group of professional musicians, with the
aim of engaging, exciting and entertaining people of all ages with
top quality music drama.
We bring the region's finest professional singers, musicians, directors and
theatre designers together with members of the local community to create fabulous
performances and fun educational workshops.
Operamus News
September this year saw our first opera workshop project, in
association with the Birmingham Conservatoire. In just four days, Handel's
'Semele' was rehearsed and staged, complete with baroque orchestra, and played to a
packed Recital Hall on the final afternoon. There were times when we wondered
whether the ambitious - some would say slightly crazy - venture would come off, but we needn't have worried. Wonderful performances were turned out by
the young professional and student soloists and instrumentalists. But perhaps the
greatest achievement was that of the chorus, all adult amateurs, for many of whom 'Semele' was their first
experience of acting on stage.
The miracle-working production team was comprised of Richard Laing (Music Director), Annette Thompson (Director)
and Daniele Rosina (Conductor). They were joined by vocal coaches Christine Cairns
and Rita Cullis, baroque violinist Margaret Faultless and baroque cellist
Richard Tunnicliffe. Their knowledge and passion were a great inspiration to all.
This was followed by our third successful Artsfest apperance, this year in the
beautiful gallery of the Water Hall. The sculptures lent a special atmosphere to the singing of
Susanna Purkis, Jacqueline White, Jake Fifer, Anna Jeffers and Byron Jackson, accompanied by Pat Bennett on the piano.
November saw our first workshop with Cruse, the bereavement counselling organisation.
A small team worked with a group of children who had recently lost family members,
using music and drama activities based on 'Hansel and Gretel'.
Finally, we are once again extremely grateful to Canoldir Male Choir and their conductor James Jones
for another super Christmas Concert in aid of Operamus' work.
Diary
*NEW EVENT*
Come and sing Faure's Requiem, Sunday 22nd February 2009
Join us for a rehearsal and informal concert of this moving classic.
VENUE: Bournville Friends' Meeting House, Linden Road.
Rehearsal: 1.30pm. Informal performance: 4.00pm
Singers: £8 to include refreshments (scores provided). Audience price: £5
Music Director: Richard Laing. Organ: John Jenkin.
Early booking advised. Contact Pat Bennett on 01543 578337
Past ProjectsFully-staged productions
- 'Albert Herring' (Britten), 2007
- 'Hansel and Gretel' (Humperdinck), 2006
- 'Noye's Fludde' (Britten), 2005
Our full productions have all involved children from the local
community as singers, actors and dancers.
Workshop production
- 'Semele' (Handel), September 2008
A special four-day workshop for adult amateurs, students and young
professionals, in association with the Birmingham Conservatoire. It finished with a
staged public performance.
'Come and sing' events
- 'Messiah' (Handel), 2007
- 'The Yeomen of the Guard' (Gilbert & Sullivan), 2006
- 'The Mikado' (Gilbert & Sullivan), 2005
Education projects
- 'What About Jack?' 2007. An opera written and performed by children from Benson
Community School
- 'Hansel and Gretel' music and drama workshops in Birmingham
primary and secondary schools, 2006
Concerts
- Appearances in Birmingham's Artsfest, 2006, 2007 and 2008
- Christmas concert with the Canoldir Male Voice Choir, 2007
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