OPERA lovers will have the chance to find out more about the artform with a new series of performance-based lectures in a barn just outside Henley.

Opera Prelude, set up two years ago as a non-profit organisation, has announced its spring series of lectures for 2013 which covers a broad range of operatic history and performance, from Mozart to Massenet.

The first lecture, on Thursday, March 21, is Puccini’s Big Three, when soprano Rosalind Coad will discuss La Bohème, Madame Butterfly and Turandot. Other dates include Mozart’s Women: his friend, his family and his music on Friday, May 10 led by mezzo soprano Phoebe Haines and The Buffa Works of Donizetti: the man, the music, the modern day on Friday, June 5, led by Welsh tenor, Joe Morgan.

The classes are led by promising young singers, and each class will offer an insight into the cultural and historical backgrounds of some of the greatest composers and their work, illustrated by live performance and well-known recordings.Fiona Hamilton of Opera Prelude said: “The singers all possess qualifications from one of the country’s top music academies and have been carefully chosen for the strength of their communication skills as well as their talent as an emerging operatic artist.”

The lectures take place from 10.30am to 12.30pm in a barn two miles from Henley town centre - the address and directions are given at the time of booking. Tickets are £15, with under 21s free.


Opera Prelude is a not-for-profit organisation and all proceeds from ticket sales go into a fund to support and nurture young singers through their careers.

To book a ticket or find out more information visit wwwoperaprelude.com

Published 11/03/13