Art in Opera
Helen Astrid
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid
- Category:
- Entertainment
- Updated:
- 20th August 2025
- Tagged:
- Art | Paintings | Opera Performances | Entertainment
Join Helen Astrid on a vivid journey into the world where opera and fine art collide. In this compelling talk—recently delivered at The Courtauld Institute of Art, London—Helen explores how iconic artworks have inspired some of the UK’s most visually arresting opera productions, transforming the stage into a living canvas.
From Bruegel’s Peasant Wedding influencing David McVicar’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at Glyndebourne, to Jonathan Miller’s Don Pasquale at the Royal Opera House echoing the eerie beauty of Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, these productions blend music and visual art in breathtaking ways. Even Caravaggio and Titian make bold appearances, creating a sensory feast where sound and image fuse into unforgettable spectacle.
Featuring works by Seurat, Hogarth, and others, Helen reveals why directors turn to the great masters to shape atmosphere, deepen narrative, and dazzle audiences. A richly illustrated talk that’s as enlightening as it is visually stunning.
“Everyone should be begging you to do talks!” William Hartston, British journalist, author, January 2025
“Thank you for a fascinating talk; I learned so much.” Dr Niccola Shearman, The Courtauld Institute of Art.
Views: 1149 | Enquiries: 2About Helen Astrid
Helen is an engaging and entertaining speaker and is an accredited Great British Speaker.
She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, and 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.
Appearing on television and radio such as BBC World News, The Paul O'Grady Show, Broadcasting House and BBC's Ask the Experts Helen' s Ted Talk Tell me the truth about Opera has been viewed by 1000s. She is thrilled to be speaking at the V&A in Spring 2026 on Art in Opera.
Previous speaking engagements have been for Courtauld Institute of Art, London, Cambridge University, Plymouth University, Marlborough College, Imperial College, Benslow Music and Bishopsgate Institute.
Helen lives in South-West London and enjoys German Expressionist art, architecture, travelling and tennis. She relaxes with her cat Riesi on her lap and snuggling-up with a book and glass of Burgundy!
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