What makes us different?
Opera is indeed the most magical entertainment but of all the art forms the high quality of the artists is absolutely crucial. You can rest assured that the singers we engage will be of the highest calibre. Our young, talented artists will have performed with major opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and at Glyndebourne.
Opera Interludes has over 15 years of experience - from performing for Her Majesty The Queen to a private party for the Spice Girls - plus a host of performances for dinners, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
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 great houses and locations are increasingly available for corporate entertainment, charity and private events, it is only natural that live 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, reception or party. A Gala or Soirée programme can include well-known arias and ensembles from opera, operetta and songs form popular musicals. We also offer a programme of full-length opera or highlight performances.
Costumes
Wonderful costumes are a particular specialty of the company. Opera Galas can be in glamorous modern evening gowns and white tie and tails, but it can transform a performance to have period evening dress such as Regency or Victorian. Costumes for specific operas are of a very high quality and design.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our approach gives the flexibility of devising unique programmes and we work with our clients to create the perfect entertainment.
As each client's requirements vary, we cost each engagement individually. We are happy to work within a given budget and special consideration will be given to charities in a fundraising event. Performances are usually accompanied by piano or harp, although we can also provide an instrumental ensemble, or a full scale orchestra if required.
Below is a brief description of the types of performance we offer. However, we cordially invite you to call on the telephone to discuss your requirements. Please call Philip Blake-Jones on +44 (0)20 7223 5456.
Opera Gala or Opera Soirée Evening - providing well-known opera, operetta and musicals for all types of events and occasions.
This programme of opera, operetta and musicals can be presented before, after, or in sections during the courses of a dinner or reception, and is usually presented with spoken introductions and with a 'light touch' when appropriate. These performances are essentially presenting opera as an 'entertainment' which usually has an emphasis on fun and humour, as well as including more emotional and dramatic pieces.
The programme can include the works of the great composers such as Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Bizet, Puccini as well as lighter repertoire from Gilbert and Sullivan, Gershwin, Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lloyd Webber
Highlight Performances
In the 'Highlight Series' we present the key scenes from a particular opera, linked with narration giving abridged versions of Verdi's 'La Traviata', Puccini's 'Madame Butterfly', Bizet's 'Carmen' and Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'. 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, and as the performance last approximately one hour, it can comfortably be linked with a dinner or lunch. Also, as the series involves a smaller cast than a full performance the cost in considerably less.
The Highlight Performance can be followed by a short selection of well-known 'encores' from other operas after an interval break.
Full length performances and full opera productions in costume
Our full-length productions include extended Opera Galas in one or two parts with either piano or instrumental accompaniment. Usually two productions are available each year which can include full, two-part productions in costume of La Travaita, Madame Butterfly, Carmen, La Bohème, The Magic Flute or Cosi fan Tutte.
This particular option is generally for a larger scale corporate or charity-fundraising event, but several clients have presented a whole opera performance for a birthday party or wedding anniversary.
