With its 2020 season currently postponed, Opera Holland Park is holding its annual Open Day online, bringing interactive classes and events to audiences joining from home. On May 23, 2020, the company will be streaming from its Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages, as well as sessions on Zoom; while the events are open to all, those who wish to participate on Zoom must reserve a place in advance.

All Day – Conducting Classes

Held via Zoom, these private and group classes are taught by three conductors from Opera Holland Park: Matthew Kofi Waldren, Dane Lam, and Lada Valesova.

10 am – Vocal Workout

Held on Facebook and YouTube, classes will focus on waming up, breathing, supporting the voice, and improving tone.

10:30 am – Masked Ball

Held on Zoom, the OHP’s Inspire team will be holding a family workshop aimed at children 0-5,  which draws upon Verdi’s “Un ballo in maschera.”

11 am – Behind the Beat

Held on Facebook and YouTube, OHP’s three conductors will discuss and demonstrate the skills and challenges of conducting.

11:45 am – Strictly No Lycra

Held on Zoom, this dance class is led by BBC Dancing Town’s Steve Elias and is for all ages and abilities.

12: 15 pm – Making Faces

Held on Facebook and YouTube, Ian Massa-Harris of the OHP’s Chorus demonstrates the art of theatrical make-up prosthetics, special effects, and more.

12: 45 pm – Meet the Singers

Held on YouTube, Anna Picard will host a discussion with three of OHP’s principal singers: Alison Langer, Nadine Benjamin, and Paul Carey Jones.

1:15 pm – Operatic Draw-Along

Held on Zoom, prize-winning illustrator Rosie Brooks will lead a family-friendly drawing class based on opera characters.

1:45 —Meet the Directors

Held on YouTube, Anna Picard will sit with directors Martin Lloyd-Evans, Rodula Gaitanou, and Rebecca Meltzer as they answer questions and discuss the process from a work’s commission to its opening.

2:30 – Vocal Masterclass

Held on YouTube and Facebook, conductor, pianist, and language coach Lada Valesova will be joined by mezzo-soprano Charlotte Badham to give insight on the preparation behind a live performance.

3 pm – Meet the Designer

Held on YouTube, set and costume designer Alyson Cummins outlines the process from mood board to fittings and technical rehearsals.

4:15 pm – Sing with the OHP Chorus

Held on Facebook and YouTube, Chorus Master Richard Hark and company invites families to join them and learn the music and lyrics to “I am the very model of a Modern Major General” from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.”