On 19 October 2017 the V&A joined forces with the BBC and eight leading UK opera companies and major cultural institutions for #OperaPassion Day, an exciting programme of live streaming and special events.
The #OperaPassion day opened with an introduction by Kate Bailey, curator of critically acclaimed Opera: Passion, Power and Politics, from within the exhibition itself. Kate was joined by television and radio newscaster and presenter, Katie Derham.
Our beautiful and atmospheric Tapestry Galleries became the stage for soprano Lesley Garrett's live performance of Rusalka’s Song to the Moon at 14:30, accompanied by pianist Anthony Kraus.
Lesley Garrett revealed her personal highlights of the exhibition, Opera: Passion, Power and Politics, with curator Kate Bailey:
In the evening the V&A and the Royal Opera House hosted a very special event at St Pancras International station with singers from The Royal Opera Chorus. Commuters got the chance to not only experience The Royal Opera's world beating chorus – but sing with them too! Inspired by operas featured in Opera: Passion, Power and Politics, they enjoyed the fabulous might of the Anvil Chorus from Verdi's Il trovatore, the beautiful Easter Hymn from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana sung by soloist Sarah-Jane Lewis and members of the chorus – and then joined in the fun as the whole of the station sang The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Va, pensiero) from Verdi’s Nabucco. The event was streamed live on the V&A, Royal Opera House, and BBC Facebook pages.
This event was part of the BBC's Opera Season in collaboration with the V&A and the Royal Opera House. Participants include English National Opera, English Touring Opera, Opera North, Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera and Northern Ireland Opera, BBC Radio 3, Tomorrow’s World and Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry with support from the British Council.
