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Complete Opera Productions, Highlight Performances, Opera Galas, Opera Singers for a wedding or for a party, in London or throughout the UK and internationally.

Throughout the centuries musical performances have been presented in palaces, country houses and gardens long before the formal concert hall or theatre became part of musical culture.

In the 18th century much of the music of great composers such as Handel and Mozart was written for performances in the homes of their patrons but it was in the late 19th century that the 'soirée' as we know it today developed.

Hosts would entertain their guests before, during, or after dinner with a musical presentation of the highest standard. Now, when many of the world's greatest houses are increasingly available for corporate entertainment, charity and private events, it is only natural that music should have become a part of such occasions.

Opera Interludes has done much to revive the tradition of presenting a programme of opera and music to be linked with a dinner or party. A Gala or Soirée programme can include well known arias and ensembles from opera and operetta and songs from popular musicals, if required. We also offer a programme of full length operas or highlights.

Opera Gala or Opera Soirée Evening

The programme of opera, operetta and musicals can be presented before, after, or in sections during the courses of dinner, is usually presented with spoken introductions, and with a 'light touch' when appropriate. The evening can include special requests and audience involvement, and we take pleasure in working with our clients to devise the perfect programme for each event. The opera singers appear in period costume or modern evening dress.

Our Opera Galas have provided the entertainment for Corporate Events, Charity Fundraising Events, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Wedding Anniversaries, and Product Launches.

Opera Gala for a Corporate Event

Claridge's London (The Ball Room) - Farewell party for senior company member - approximately 200 guests.

Opera Interludes supplied a programme, lasting approximately 45 minutes, of popular opera and musicals in three sections between the dinner courses. The entertainment began with a 'surprise waiters start' - the tenor and baritone posed as hotel staff and burst into song at the appropriate moment to the amazement of the guests. The evening then continued with the other two sections between the dinner courses, ending with the musicals and a grand finale of 'Tonight' from 'West Side Story'. The cast was four opera singers (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone) and a pianist.

Client comment: 'A thousand thanks for the superb performance you gave last week. Our principle guest was completely bowled over by the high standard of your opera singers, and the response from the other guests has been rapturous, as the standing ovation must have indicated on the night. The intimacy of the performance and interaction with the audience was particularly successful in the setting'

Opera Gala far a Birthday Party

Private House in Wiltshire, approximately 50 guests.

Taking into account the audience, which ranged from 7 years to over 90, we prepared a varied programme of 45 minutes performed at the end of dinner. There were various arias and ensembles which involved the audience creating fun and amusing moments, in addition to the more serious repertoire: Figaro, the 'Barber of Seville', attempted to cut and arrange the guests' hair as he sang his celebrated aria, 'Carmen' serenaded the gentlemen in the audience and gave them flowers, as she does in the opera, and in Gilbert and Sullivan's 'I am the very model of a modern Major General' the guests had the words printed in their programme/menus and joined in the well-known refrain. The evening ended with an operatic 'Happy Birthday'

Client comment: 'I simply cannot find the right words to describe how I felt about the contribution Opera Interludes made towards our party on Saturday! The singers were out of this world and the pianist brilliant. I have been showered with thank you letters all praising the wonderful opera. I cannot thank you enough for making the evening so special and one that we will never forget.'

Opera Gala for a Wedding Service and Breakfast

Cliveden - Opera singers for Wedding Service and Opera Gala for Wedding Breakfast - 50 guests

Wedding Service
The company provided two soloists (soprano and mezzo-soprano) to perform 'The Flower Duet' as the bride and her father entered and two items during the signing of the register (including 'Ave Maria' and 'Summertime'). The music was accompanied by harp.

The harpist then played background music during the drinks reception.

After the 'surprise waiters' beginning, as above, the programme was divided into three sections, and the repertoire reflected the choice as previously discussed with the client and included pieces with a particular relevance to the bride and groom. The programme included 'O mio babbino caro' (which was dedicated to the fathers) and 'You are my heart's delight' (for the mothers).

Client comment: 'I cannot possibly translate into words the sheer delight that the opera performance generated at our wedding at Cliveden. Our guests rose to their feet on numerous occasions throughout the performance amongst a proliferation of 'barvos' and cries for 'more'. (the Bride)

'What a wonderful day and what a magnificent contribution to its success from your singers and musicians! From the opening notes of 'The Flower Duet', which induced a veritable flood of tears in the Lady Astor suite, to the closing chorus of 'Tonight' at the end of a fantastic Wedding Breakfast in the French Dining Room, your delightful artists ensured a truly memorable occasion'. (Bride's parents)

Highlight Performance

In the Highlight series we present the key scenes from a particular opera, linked with narration, giving abridged versions of Verdi's 'La Traviata', Bizet's 'Carmen', Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' or Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly'. The performances are dramatised and presented in full costume.

This series is unique to Opera Interludes, and offers the client the opportunity to invite their guests to a specific opera but as the performances last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, the opera can be comfortably linked with a dinner. Also, because of the smaller cast involved the cost is considerably less than a full opera production.

The Highlight Performance can be followed by a short selection of well known 'encores' from the popular operas and musicals, if appropriate.

Highlight Performance for a Charity Fundraising Event

Elton Hall - in aid of Mencap for approximately 200 guests

Opera Interludes presented a highlight performance of Verdi's 'La Traviata' sung in the original Italian, with piano accompaniment and in costume following a champagne reception and prior to dinner.

Client comment: 'The Opera Evening at Elton Hall was really wonderful. The audience was quite captivated, and felt the thrill of seeing the action at such close quarters. A truly dramatic as well as a musical experience. How wonderful that after the event, which was so enjoyable, we were able to make the large donation raised for such a worthy cause.'