Secrets of sopranos

OPERA Prelude’s next lecture recital focuses on the life of the soprano singer.

In “Love, Laughter and Loss: the trials and tribulations of operatic sopranos”, Phoebe Smith, accompanied by Thomas Ang on piano, will explore the roles that are fought over by sopranos and mezzo-sopranos, such as Rosina, Zerlina and Carmen.

She will look at how voice types are determined for such roles and whether the composers outlined their preferences as in the example, should Carmen be sung by sopranos?

The recital, which will feature music from Mozart to Jonathan Dove, is at Christ Church in Reading Road, Henley, next Friday (February 21) from 11am to 1pm. Tickets cost £30. For more information, visit www.operaprelude.org