An Invitation to the Opera with Ross Alley

About

Opera unites words, music and staging into one glorious, incomparable soufflé whose recipe for success depends not only on the quality of its ingredients but on the skill of its preparation. What is the secret of its aroma? Why is opera revered as one of the highest art forms ever conceived and achieved by mankind? One answer lies in its tremendous power to move us emotionally; words inspire music which, in turn, enhances the meaning of the words: a fabulous cross-fertilization which touches us more deeply then we can explain.

In this five week series beginning Friday 15th April, Ross Alley, musician and born communicator, will explore how music conveys emotion. He will discuss operatic structures including the aria, duets, ensembles and choruses – all with stunning musical examples.

Monies raised will support music training at Wac Arts for gifted young people who face exceptional challenges and hardship. Wac Arts is a centre of excellence for the performing arts and media and works with over 1000 young people aged 5-26 each year.

Lecture programme:
15th April: "Opera as expression - the language of music"
22nd April: "The Aria"
29th April: "The Duet"
6th May: "The Ensemble"
13th May: "The Chorus"

The series will be held from 2.00pm - 3.30pm in Room 22, Wac Arts, Hampstead Old Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QP Tube: Belsize Park / Buses: C11 46 168 268