The Mezzo soprano en travesti: A Body in Disguise, a Song of Sexuality
This lecture-recital with mezzo soprano, Clover Kayne, explores how opera reflects long-standing social roles and character traditions — particularly through the mezzo-soprano voice. Often cast as boys, witches, confidantes, or outcasts, mezzos frequently exist on the edges of operatic society: neither heroine nor villain, lover nor beloved. This “in-betweenness” is what makes the voice type so dramatically rich — and so revealing.
Repertoire to include Handel, Massenet and Strauss
National Opera Studio Showcase at Welsh National Opera
Bold, proud, and inspirational, the National Opera Studio offers an intensive and bespoke training programme for the next generation of talent.
Continuing Welsh National Opera’s long-standing partnership with the programme, the latest influx of singers from their Young Artists’ Programme joins WNO in March 2026 for their annual week-long residency, culminating in a not-to-be-missed showcase at the beautiful Donald Gordon Theatre within Wales Millennium Centre, under the accompaniment of WNO Orchestra.
OperaBites Hampstead
Muses, Echoes and Songs of Love
Join Opera Prelude mezzo soprano Clover Kayne, for an enchanting musical journey celebrating love, longing, and lyrical expression. The programme features some of opera’s most beautiful and evocative arias, including:
Va ! Laisse couler mes larmes from Werther – Jules Massenet
Che farò senza Euridice from Orfeo ed Euridice – Christoph Willibald Gluck
Ô mon cher amant from La Périchole – Jacques Offenbach
Connais-tu le pays ? from Mignon – Ambroise Thomas
Each bite-sized performance features an up-and-coming young opera star sharing their passion through exquisite arias and personal insights. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of opera in an intimate setting.
L'incoronazione di Poppea – HGO
When Emperor Nero falls obsessively in love with the ambitious Poppea, their toxic romance becomes Rome’s ultimate power play. She’s ruthless, he’s unhinged, and together they’re unstoppable. Around them: gossiping servants, doomed philosophers, vengeful wives, scheming exes, and a chorus of opportunists, all pulled into the chaos of Poppea’s ascent.
As Ancient Rome collides with modern decadence, and marble deities oversee a glittering empire of excess and golden opulence, two people’s all-consuming lust can bring down an empire. With pace, punch, and panache – even the Gods can’t look away.
Sung in Italian with full English surtitles
Running time: c. 2 hrs 30 min incuding interval.
Schwanengesang – Academy Song Circle
Students from the Royal Academy of Music join forces with singers from the Glenn Gould School in Toronto to present a fresh take on Schubert’s Schwanengesang, accompanied by Daniel Silcock.
Masterclass with Fiona Kimm
Mezzo-soprano and winner of the John Christie Award Fionna Kimm celebrates fifty years in the profession, sharing her insight with Vocal Studies students.
The Eastbourne International Singing Competition
Eastbourne International Singing Competition - First Round
