From Couch to Chorus: the Festive Edition

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

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From Couch to Chorus

11 November-14 December 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

couch to chorus
Opera North
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At a time where we might find it hard to feel connected and struggle to find that usually so abundant Christmas spirit, singing can be the fire that keeps our minds and souls warm. Over the next few weeks, Opera North are bringing singers of all voice types and levels together, to learn operatic festive classics in their latest edition of Couch to Chorus.

enjoy opera with a deeper connection to the music

Weekly workshops for each voice type will be taking place over Zoom, with help on hand if you’re not sure where your voice sits. At the end of the course, all the voice types will come together to perform in an online concert singing alongside the chorus of Opera North. Some of the seasonal repertoire that will be featured includes, excerpts from Puccini’s winter hit La Bohème, the heavenly Evening Prayer from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and Sullivan’s jovial The Marquis de Mincepie.

Sessions take place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, check out the website for specific times as these differ depending on voice type. For more experienced singers there are new fast track sessions. These take place two evenings a week where singers of all voice types come together to sing through the pieces. All sessions are pay as you feel, with proceeds going towards funding Opera North’s amazing work both on the stage and in the community.

This festive edition of Couch to Chorus, was launched off the back of the highly successful summer series, where over 2000 people took part. When singing from the comfort of your own home, you can let go of those insecurities and inhibitions and let yourself enjoy opera with a deeper connection to the music, all whilst feeling connected to a community of singers.

 

Where to go near From Couch to Chorus: the Festive Edition

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Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
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Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

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The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
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Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

Manchester
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Black Redstart Gallery

Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

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RJC Dance

RJC Dance, based in Chapeltown, Leeds, champions youth and education, leading inclusive Black dance in the North through national partnerships.

Manchester
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texture mcr

Possibly one of the city’s most mysterious art galleries, texture is a small and perfectly-formed independent space in Ardwick.

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