Enriching the lives of all people in our community is central to Opera Holland Park’s mission. During lockdown our award-winning Inspire outreach and education team has been working to adapt to the changing needs of our partners. Thanks to technology we can now reach further afield and bring joy and comfort to those who need it during an especially stressful and strange time.

We are pleased to be taking part in celebrating Creativity and Wellbeing Week with the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance and its other partners by releasing Inspire resources and co-hosting events with our regular partner, Age UK Kensington and Chelsea.

Our programme of interactive events culminates in our first Virtual Open Day on Saturday 23 May. This is a day where we would normally open our doors to the public. This year we hope people will open their doors to us, so we can share our stories, our work, and our passion online in activities suitable for all ages and abilities, including an SEN workshop on Verdi’s opera, Un ballo in maschera.

 

Monday 18 May, 1pm: Singing for Wellbeing on YouTube

A gentle nurturing singing session, with Christopher Killerby, for self-care and better breathing. Christopher has run vocal sessions for MIND, focusing on gently building confidence, caring for your voice and introducing the fundamentals of singing technique to a new audience. Join him for a guaranteed mood boost. The film will be streamed live from 1pm on Opera Holland Park’s Facebook page or email inspire@operahollandpark.com.

 

Tuesday 19 May, 1-2pm: Age UK Kensington and Chelsea Virtual Recital

Opera Holland Park’s Sarah Minns and Ali Sutherland perform duets and arias, straight to the comfort of your living room. Everyone is welcome. To take part, email event@aukc.org.uk. 

 

Wednesday 20 May,  9am: OperaUNITY Pirates

Join Fiona the Pirate, Ali, Sarah and Dan as they take you through a fun and interactive journey through The Pirates of Penzance. The session includes warm up songs, craft packs to do at home, singing and dancing. Suitable for ages 0-5 and parents, carers and kindergarten teachers. The session will take part through Google Classrooms. To take part email inspire@operahollandpark.com for the link

 

Thursday 21 May, 12pm: Age UK Kensington and Chelsea Singing Group.

Try your hand at an aria or two with the friends of Age UK Kensington and Chelsea and Abigail from our Inspire team. Abigail has led singing groups for all ages, and provides a safe and encouraging space for you to try new things.

To take part, email event@aukc.org.uk and inspire@operahollandpark.com.

 

Saturday 23 May, from 10am: Opera Holland Park’s Virtual Open Day

Starting with a vocal warm up with Christopher Killerby, the day’s events are open to all. Meet the conductors, singers and creative teams. Learn about set and costume design, theatrical make up and illustration. Take a dance class or a conducting class. Enjoy an OperaUNITY session on Un ballo in maschera, and sing along with the magnificent Opera Holland Park Chorus. Find out more.

 

Where to find us and how to book

Email inspire@operahollandpark.com for further information.