If you are interested in joining Opera Viva, please get in touch at operaviva@ymail.com, or visit one of our rehearsals. We welcome chorus singers without audition and will do our best to support those who have little experience of public singing. There is also a need for volunteers onstage, offstage, front of house and all areas of production.
Who we are
Opera Viva is a diverse group of people with different levels of musical experience and ability, but we are all seeking to develop our own singing and acting skills. At our heart is the chorus of singers, but we are always ready to welcome those who have interest in related areas such as stage design and lighting, costume, front of house organisation and most importantly making tea.
We believe that operas tell dramatic stories through powerful music, and we wish to bring these stories to those who are not familiar with opera.
What we do
Our aim is to bring opera to all in their communities. We offer our audiences the chance to experience some of the great operatic works, sung in English. Since Opera Viva was formed in 2010 we have performed over ten full operas in local venues to great acclaim.
We sing in English and perform in intimate venues across Merseyside, so the audience is close to the action and can understand what is being sung.
Membership
Those appearing on stage must be members of the society to be covered by NODA insurance. Membership is open to all, and there are no auditions to perform in the Chorus. Principal Roles are allocated by competitive audition. Solos and duets in our concerts must be approved by the Artistic Directors or producer of that concert.
In order to join, fill in the registration form available on the website here. Once we have processed it, we will contact you for payment of the relevant fee.
Auditions
For principal roles in operas, we run auditions. We encourage all to audition for roles in our opera performances, and to give opportunity to the greatest number of singers roles are double cast where possible.
Non-members are welcome to audition, but if the production can be adequately cast within the society, preference will be given to existing members. This decision will be made by our Musical Director, who is not a member of the society. Non-members must also pay an audition fee and are required to become members if they are offered the role. The audition fee will then be subtracted from their subscription. Further details for current auditions are available here.
Fees
Fee details are available here.