Ever wondered what it feels like to perform in an opera?
DEBUT invites you to our new interactive singing workshops in central London - a fun and informative day of singing and exploration, led by DEBUT's dynamic team of professional musicians. Open to singers of all levels.
From the creators of Airbnb’s No. 1 Classical Music Experience, join us as we raise the roof with tunes from Verdi’s most iconic opera, La Traviata, supported by fellow chorus members and alongside professional opera singers. During the workshop we’ll delve deeper into the opera, bringing selected parts of it to life and sharing fun behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes.
Click here to take a sneak peak at the music we’ll be covering (and listen to the learning tracks).
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Any questions? Contact us here.
On the day
11.00 Workshop begins, meet & greet
11.15 Introduction to the opera
11.30 Rehearse chorus song #1 (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
12.30 Stage scene around song #1 with DEBUT soloists
13.00 Lunch break
13.45 Pop-up performance from DEBUT’s musicians
14.00 Discussion delving deeper into the opera
14.15 Rehearse chorus song #2 (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
15.15 Stage scene around song #2 with DEBUT soloists
16.00 Special guest speaker
16.30 Final hurrah! Stumble through our favourite scene (#1 or #2)
17.00 Workshop ends, social at local pub
Music
We’ll be singing the opening of Act 1, including the Brindisi (Drinking Song) in the morning, and in the afternoon parts of the Act 2 finale including the Gipsies Chorus. All music will be sung in English
Brindisi (The Drinking Song)
The Gipsies Chorus into the opening of the Chorus of Spanish Matadors
Location
Lumen Church, Bloomsbury
88 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9RS
A short walk from London Euston, King’s Cross or Russell Square | Capacity: 80
RIBA Regional Awards 2009 Winner | Best Building 5 Years On, Camden Business Awards 2013 Highly commended | ACE Award for Religious Architecture 2009 Commended
FAQs
How do I know what we’ll be singing? For each workshop we’ll select two chorus sections from the opera. For these workshops we’ll always sing the chorus music in an English translation. 10 days before the workshop you’ll be sent a link which will enable you to download:
Lyrics
Sheet Music
MP3 audio tracks with your chorus part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
Do I need to learn the music before the day? Absotluely not! Although we do recommend spending some time listening to the backing tracks before the day. We won’t be providing copies of the music, so ask you to print out copies of your own (or use a tablet).
I like singing, but I’m not sure where I would fit in a choir / chorus… Don’t worry! When we send out the backing tracks we recommend humming along to find the part that best suits your voice. On the day there will be a ‘DEBUT chorus leader’ for each voice type to make it easy to find your tune. You can also chose to sing as quietly as you like, while you build your confidence in the workshops!
Is the venue accessible? Yes, there is a lift from street level.
Will refreshments be provided? There are great local coffee shops near Lumen to pick up some lunch (or you can bring a sandwich) and we will provide basic tea and coffee making facilities (and milk), but please bring your own cup.
Meet our Team
Lizzie Holmes founder of DEBUT, Violetta & Workshop Leader
Benjamin Hamilton conductor and workshop leader
Erika Gundesen conductor & répétiteur
Alex Aldren, Alfredo & Tenor Chorus Leader
Eleanor Garside, Soprano Chorus Leader
Meriel Cunningham Flora & Mezzo Chorus Leader
James Gribble Gaston & Tenor Chorus Leader
Theo Perry Gaston, Baron & Bass Chorus Leader