MUSIC fans will have the chance to hear some of the country’s finest voices this weekend – and find out what opera is all about.
The Lottery-funded Northern Heartlands culture group and Opera North have organised a Whistle Stop Opera Tour across south-west Durham.
At each venue, there will be a 30-minute show followed by a Q&A session which will introducing people to the songs and stories behind some of the world’s best-loved music.
The tour is the first event of a partnership between Northern Heartlands and Opera North which will culminate in 2020 with an original new opera composed and created with the people of County Durham and telling the story of the history and heritage of the local area.
First stop on the Whistle Stop Opera Tour is The Witham, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, October 20, at 11am.
From there, Opera North heads to Hamsterley Village Hall at 3pm.
Sunday, October 21, sees performances in Shildon and Bishop Auckland.
Each short performance will feature three soloists and an accordionist.
Jill Cole, director of Northern Heartlands, said: “The Whistle Stop Tour is a brilliant, fun introduction for many people who have never been to opera and who think they probably won’t understand it.”
Admission to The Witham show is on a pay-what-you-decide basis. The Hamsterley performance is free. Booking is advised for both.
To reserve tickets, contact The Witham on 01833 631107. For Hamsterley, call Jacquie Holloway on 01388 Tickets 488323.
