Whilst most opera is deemed long, serious and unintelligible, humour in opera is often overlooked and understated as it is spiced with ambiguity, embarrassment and clashes with the moral values of the characters portrayed. In this intriguing talk, Helen Astrid examines 5 arias, including the famous Cat Duet, dating 1816 - 1967 where comedy takes centre stage.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw, ‘Opera is when a tenor and soprano want to make love but are prevented from doing so by a baritone.’
Views: 1035 | Enquiries: 4My talks are available in-person or online. If you have been let down by someone, I'm happy to step-in at short notice!
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, I performed as a soprano soloist at most of the major venues in the UK including English National Opera, Linbury Theatre Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Garsington Opera and Chelsea Opera at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank.
I appear on television and radio regularly including BBC World News, The Paul O'Grady Show and my Ted Talk Tell me the truth about Opera has been viewed by 1000s. I give talks on the history of opera for Courtauld Institute of Art, Cambridge University, Marlborough College, Imperial College, Benslow Music and the Bishopsgate Institute plus various groups around the UK. It gives me great pleasure to share my expertise in opera and to spread the wonders of this magnificent art form.
I'm an award-winning entrepreneur and opera singer. My time is devoted between running team-building singing sessions (Corporate Singing Workshops) for businesses, conducting choirs and giving talks.
I produced the UK premiere of The Juniper Tree by Philip Glass, which received outstanding international reviews with coverage on BBC R4, R3 and Classic FM. My book Singing Tips at your Fingertips described by Gary Lachman (The Guardian) as “the place to find the singer within” contains 365 singing tips to help you find your voice. It's available from AMAZON in Paperback, Kindle and Audible.
Residing in South-West London near the Thames, I enjoy art, architecture and travelling. How do I relax? If I'm lucky, my cat will sit on my lap and I can snuggle-up with a book and cup of tea.
Please don't hesitate to contact me for any further details.
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