Behind the scenes with… Peterborough Opera

You may think completely changing the setting is a bold move, but according to Philip it’s just part of Peterborough Opera’s ethos.

‘I think we have always tried to approach even well-known operas in a slightly different way, and this is no exception. This one is probably different in that we have got a new producer who is perhaps more theatre-orientated then opera-orientated; she has thought a lot about the set and the costumes. This opera also makes more demand on the soloists then other operas we have done. Other operas tend to have two or three main solo roles, this one has got four, arguably five, and I think musically it’s on a different level to some of the other stuff we have done before.’

‘There’s a different artistic slant to it, which you might not see in a more conventional production. We also added quite a bit of dancing to it, which is another reason for coming along…’

Tonight the rehearsal starts with stretches. Stephanie, the production manager, takes over proceedings with the air of a teacher looking after a particularly naughty bunch of pupils. After handing out pikes to various members of the chorus and a piano stool is set to masquerade as a tree, the singing can really begin. The chorus certainly makes an impressive sound, very fitting for the church setting.

‘It’s a tricky part of the opera to stage, with many people having to be in various places all at once. It’s a pity many hours of rehearsal will only last a few minutes on stage, but hopefully the audience will notice all the effort we put in to it,’ Philip explains during a much-needed break, which sees a large argument over that most elitist activity: football.

‘You can’t support Man U! You have to support Posh!’

‘Do I have to jeer: “come on you blues”?’

‘Of course!’

After rehearsals, we all pile into the pub and take the opportunity to ask Philip some more questions, namely: why isn’t the Peterborough Opera performing in Peterborough?

‘The problem is finding a suitable venue that we can afford to host the performances. For now we are in Stamford. The Corn Exchange is a fantastic venue but we would love to have the Peterborough Opera actually in Peterborough. It’s just a question of economics. For now, we can’t find anywhere we can afford but hopefully in the future that will change.

‘I would very much like us to be able to go back to Peterborough for our main production. I think also taking our concerts and opera more widely within the local area is a great idea. I really think we could start looking at staging concerts and maybe opera productions in places like Oundle, Oakham, Kettering and Spalding and so on, rather then just being a Peterborough-based organisation.’

Philip leaves me with the following extremely good point:

‘Try Il Trovatore: its great! It’s only going to cost you £12 – and what else is £12 going to get you these days? Just come along and see what you think…’

Il Trovatore by Guisppe’s Verdi will be on Wednesday, 23; Thursday, 24; and Friday, 25 October at the Stamford Corn Exchange, Broad Street, Stamford. For more information, call the box office on 01780 766455.

www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

Love singing? Why not get involved? Peterborough Opera rehearsals are every Friday at St Luke’s Church, Mayors Walk, Peterborough from 7.30 – 10 pm. Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along on a Friday evening. Please contact Philip on 01778 380071 or at