Opera In A Day — Q&A with Benjamin Hamilton (DEBUT at Bishopsgate Institute 2023)
In 2022 we were approached by members of English National Opera’s recently disbanded Community Chorus. One of the members had been to a DEBUT concert and thought opera workshops were something we should look into. After developing the idea through two day long workshops last year, we have arrived at final iteration of this project!
Lizzie (DEBUT’s founder) and Benjamin cut their teeth together at the University of Warwick (where they met), working on productions of Figaro, Bohème, Hansel and Gretel and Flute. We felt that this was something that was needed for emerging professional musicians, and a great way to get the wider community involved too.
Here, we catch up with DEBUT’s newest team member Hannah Shilvock, who discusses DEBUT at Bishopsgate Institute 2023 - Opera in a Day, with our conductor Benjamin Hamilton.
“I can’t think of any other programme that allows instrumentalists and singers to work together in this way.”
Hannah and Ben Q&A
Benjamin Hamilton, conductor & co-producer of DEBUT at Bishopsgate Institute
HS: Put simply - what is Opera In a Day?
BH: Opportunities to get involved in opera can be few and far between – so we thought we’d create Sing, Watch, Play: Opera in a Day… It’s just what it says on the tin!
We take a well-known opera and we work through it in a single day in the surroundings of Bishopsgate Institute's beautiful Great Hall.
There are three ways you can get involved - you can sing, watch or play!
We’re looking for professional singers and instrumentalists to make up the DEBUT Horizon Orchestra and soloists for the opera. The key opportunity for growth for singers is the chance to quickly learn a set of four roles, be coached on them and perform them with a full symphony orchestra.
The key opportunity for the orchestra is to learn the tricks of the operatic, rather than symphonic or chamber music, trade – so that when you’re called for an audition at English National Opera or thrown into a last minute-depping situation you can thrive because you’ve seen it all before! That and the CV boost…
[There’s also the chance to get involved as a member of the public – either as a member of the amateur chorus, or, simply, by watching the day!]
Hannah Shilvock, clarinettist & DEBUT’s new Head of Experiences
HS: As a clarinettist, I can’t think of any other programmes that allow instrumentalists and singers to work together in this way. Being given the chance to workshop core operatic repertoire with top-level singers is a fantastic opportunity! What 4 operas are you covering during 202
BH: This is exactly what we wanted to achieve – to get a group of people into a room and enjoy the incredible thing that is opera, but also to ‘upskill’ everyone in the room in the process. That whilst having a laugh!
We start this February 12th with The Marriage of Figaro, before tackling La Traviata in April, Die Fledermaus in September and La Bohème (with added choruses!) in the run-up to Christmas. They’re increasingly musically difficult which will be a fantastic challenge for all involved.
HS: How exciting! Are all the singers professional or are there opportunities for amateurs to get involved?
BS: There certainly is. We need a chorus of amateur singers too and also members of the public can grab a front row seat and watch the action!
Singers – no experience necessary – will work with Chorus Master (watch this space, to be announced next week), who will work you hard polishing the music, bringing selected parts of it to life, and sharing behind-the-scenes insights before joining the amassed professional orchestra and singers for a final rehearsal and performance!
Great Hall, Bishopsgate Institute
If that all sounds like too much hard worth there’s the chance to watch all of this craziness (with a ‘Watch’ ticket!), if you prefer to get a unique insight into a professional opera rehearsal room and enjoy the final performance!
HS: What are you most looking forward to throughout this project in 2023?
BS: For me the power of music is its ability to bring people together and move them. Here we’re bringing a fantastic line up of professional soloists, the Horizon Orchestra and a massive (hopefully 50+!) amateur chorus together with some of the best story-telling music from the last 300 years – what could be better?
DEBUT’s Opera in a Day Trailer
About
Benjamin Hamilton
Benjamin Hamilton is a conductor, translator, and artistic leader with a passion for bringing the power of music to all. With training from international conductors Paul McGrath and Toby Purser at the Royal College of Music, as well as mentorship from Mark Heron at the Royal Northern College of Music, Benjamin has established a diverse career: he regularly works as a guest conductor, for example with the EU Chamber Orchestra and the opera company he co-founded, HighTime, and is known for his opera productions ranging from Monteverdi to the present– 22 and counting – along with the writing of accessible translations, most recently for Hackney Empire (Die Fledermaus: Bat Out of Hackney), Warwick Arts Centre (Carmen) and Hampsted Garden Opera (Oxford Don Giovanni). In his spare time, he even finds time to work on a joke book!
Join Us
Apply as a pro-soloist or as part of DEBUT’s Horizon Orchestra - Deadline 12 January 2023
Sing & Watch tickets available via Bishopsgate Institute website, for general public and community chorus (open to all)