From Couch to Chorus: the Festive Edition

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
couch to chorus
Opera North

11 November — 14 December 2020 Entrance is free — Visit now

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.

 

11 November — 14 December 2020 Entrance is free Visit now

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

Manchester
Restaurant
New Wave Ramen

New Wave Ramen is a stylish, friendly Japanese ramen bar and restaurant on Tib Lane in the heart of Manchester.

caprismcr - restaurant
City Centre
Restaurant
Capri’s Cucina Italiana

The King Street area isn’t short of popular Italian restaurants, but none strike quite the same note as Capri’s, where you’ll be greeted like family and served some of the most authentic Neapolitan food in Manchester.

The Feel Good Club exterior
Manchester
Event venue
Feel Good Club

Our flagship Feel Good Club in Manchester, open 7 days a week, providing a beautiful friendly environment for coffee, brunch, lunch, cocktails and beers with an amazing selection of non alcoholic beverages too.

Ancoats
Bar or Pub
Finders Keepers

Welcoming waterside bar in New Islington Marina, serving a wide array of carefully-curated cocktails.

City Centre
Restaurant
Climat

Highly-regarded wine-led, French-leaning wine bar and rooftop restaurant in the city centre.

Image licensed with iStock.
Stockport
Library
Stockport Central Library

Stockport Central Library is a Carnegie library, built 1913–15 in the Edwardian Baroque style. It continues to serve as Stockport’s largest library.

The Edge exterior
Wigan
Event venue
The Edge, Wigan

Opened in September 2017, The Edge Arena is Wigan’s performance, conference and event venue.

What's on: Activity

Until
ActivityManchester
DJ Gym at Hatch

Learn some DJ and production skills with DJ Gym Manchester, based in the culturally infused surrounds of Hatch.

from £269
life drawing
Until
ActivityManchester
Life Drawing Manchester

Whether you have never put pencil to paper or have been honing your artistic skills for years, Bee Creative studio runs life drawing sessions for people of all abilities.

from £10
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ActivityManchester
Sí Manchester Daily Tour

Sí Manchester’s daily tour is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city with tours running in both English and Spanish.

free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Affecting contemporary performances and fresh, relevant takes on enduring classics, we pick out shows that help us scrutinise the world we live in.

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.