Opera Holland Park (OHP) has begun a series of free online classes for “teachers, parents and carers of children aged 7 to 14 years”. The classes will run for another two weeks and are available to view on demand.
Teachers at the online education effort include opera director Genevieve Raghu as well as sopranos Sarah Parkin and Maud Millar, mezzo soprano Lara Rebekah Harvey, tenor Peter Martin and baritone John Lofthouse. The lessons will cover singing and introductions to operatic music, stories and terminology.
“From the Magic Travel Machine to Musetta’s Waltz Song, the lessons open up the world of sung drama, continuing Opera Holland Park’s work with schools and families,” said OHP in a statement. “Singing is a wonderful tool for relaxing the body and engaging the mind.”
Miller will lead a three-part guide to portraying women in love, using music by Schubert, Puccini and Mozart. For younger viewers there are lessons focussed on nonsense songs and experimenting with rhythm.
Added OHP chief executive and director of opera James Clutton: “Speaking to friends with children who are learning at home, I’ve been acutely aware of the need for more music during lockdown and the pressure that teachers are under. It’s a privilege to be able to do something about this, and a pleasure to see what our artists have created for the different age groups.”
New lessons are available each weekday at 10am UK time.
