Unexpected Opera presents 'Opera Naked, an ‘operatic cabaret’ written and directed by its artistic director Lynn Binstock. It seeks to lays bare what it takes to be an opera singer and debunks the myths surrounding opera singing, exposing the real-life struggles with the human voice and the dedication needed to make it.
Based on interviews with many aspiring singers, the material is brought to life by four emerging soloists, a comic actor and a pianist with arias and scenes from well-known operas, and true stories from the lives of singers.
Featuring scenes and arias from operas by Cilea, Dvorák, Gluck, Handel, Leoncavallo, Monteverdi, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and Wagner, including favourites ‘Un bel di’ ('Butterfly'); ‘O du, mein holder Abendstern’ ('Tannhäuser'); ‘Vissi d’arte’ ('Tosca'); ‘Vesti la giubba’ ('Pagliacci') and ‘Habanera’ ('Carmen').
Starring Nadine Mortimer-Smith (soprano), Ciara Hendrick (mezzo-soprano), Paul Hopwood (tenor), Philip Spendley (bass-baritone) and actor Tony Harris. Accompanied by pianist Robert Bottriell.