THE popular Wedmore Opera held its first singing workshop since Covid to create an “opportunity for people to come together to sing”.
The event took place at Wedmore Village Hall on Sunday, April 3.
Phyllida Shaw, Wedmore Opera trustee, said: “Wedmore Opera has been unable to put on a production during Covid, but once restrictions on gatherings were lifted, it wanted to create this opportunity for people to come together to sing.
“Alison Cooper-White, director of music at Churchill Academy, ran a popular gospel workshop for Wedmore Opera in 2018 and this time she has been asked back to try out some different styles - soul, folk, world music, and a bit of pop."
Participants included some existing chorus members, but there were plenty of new faces too, including Touche Hogden, who moved to the area three years ago.
She said: “What a great day we’ve had. It was so exhilarating to sing with a group of people again.”
The programme included old favourites such as when the Saints Go Marching in and Proud Mary as well as songs from Ukraine and Benin, West Africa.
An audience of family and friends came along for the short concert at the end, supported by members of Joyful Spirit Gospel Choir.
“No one needs to be able to read music or to be used to singing with others. The emphasis is on having fun, through music. If there is a demand, later in the year, we might organise another workshop with a focus on opera.”
Alison Cooper-White said: “We only met for the first time at one o’clock today, and no one knew that they would be singing a solo by the end of the afternoon. We’ve had a great time.”
A photo from the singing workshop
A group of people who joined the workshop
Alison Cooper-White
Wedmore Opera has formed 35 years ago when a group of friends decided to put on a production of Tosca, with professional soloists, a mini-orchestra, and a large chorus and backstage crew of volunteers and enthusiasts from across the area.
There have been 18 productions since then. Wedmore always welcomes new members, especially men who like to sing, and hopes to be back on stage in 2023.
To find out more go to wedmoreopera.com
Below are more photos from the event.
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