When Art Sings: Paintings in Opera
Helen Astrid SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid
- Category:
- Entertainment
- Updated:
- 31st January 2025
- Tagged:
- Art | Paintings | Opera Performances | Entertainment
Helen takes us on voyage of discovery to examine how great artists and their paintings have inspired opera productions here in the UK by creating intriguing and sensory experiences for audiences. This talk was recently given at The Courtauld Institute of Art, London.
Helen has in mind particularly works by Bruegel, Seurat, and Hogarth among other such painters and designers. Great works of art such as “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus” was a source of inspiration for Jonathan Miller’s production of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale at the Royal Opera House in 2004. Equally, Bruegel's “Peasant Wedding” influenced David McVicar’s production of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at Glyndebourne Festival in 2011. The recent production of Verdi's Rigoletto at the Royal Opera House recreated a montage of Caravaggio's "Martyrdom of St Matthew" followed by a Titian nude on the Duke of Mantua's wall: why directors are drawn to create a visual spectacle where music and image are inextricably fused is explored in this fascinating lecture.
Views: 743 | Enquiries: 2About Helen Astrid
Helen is an engaging and highly entertaining speaker. Her talks are available in-person or online.
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 BBCs Ask the Experts comes naturally to Helen. Her Ted Talk Tell me the truth about Opera has been viewed by 1000s.
Helen's portfolio career includes all the things she loves to do from public speaking, corporate training, conducting choirs, writing books and teaching. It gives her great pleasure to share her expertise and anecdotes in opera and to help spread the wonders of this magnificent art form.
Her talks include:
Humour in Opera, When Art Sings - Paintings in Opera, A Night at the Opera, Operas inspired by Literature, Secrets of the World's Greatest Divas, Unwrapping Christmas Carols and The Magic of Mozart.
Previous speaking engagements have been for Courtauld Institute of Art, London, Cambridge University, Plymouth University, Marlborough College, Imperial College, Benslow Music, Bishopsgate Institute and Lewes Speakers Festival in East Sussex.
Her book Singing Tips at your Fingertips described by Gary Lachman (The Guardian) as “the place to find the singer within” contains 365 singing tips and is an AMAZON bestseller available in Paperback, Kindle and Audible.
Helen lives in South-West London and enjoys art, architecture, travelling and tennis. How does she relax? With her cat on her lap snuggling-up with a good book and cup of tea. Bliss!
Please don't hesitate to get in touch for more details.
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