Virtual Theatre
Welcome to Constella's Virtual Theatre!
Simply buy a virtual ticket below which will provide you with a link to the performance. You can then watch your purchased performance as many times as you like from any digital device with an internet connection.
Christmas Gala
Available to watch from 7.30pm 8th December 2020
Christmas Gala Programme
Constella is delighted to present an extravaganza of opera-ballet to bring Christmas cheer directly to a digital device near you! This gala is in aid of Constella's Connecting Stars, our live, interactive and virtual performance programme to support care home residents who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
Our first act will be framed within the context of Constella’s award-winning and critically acclaimed Sideshows, featuring a series of solos by Connecting Stars artists. Our second act will see showcase a Christmassy wonderland with some cherished favourites, including a daring reimaging of Handel's Messiah.
The Bearded Lady from Sideshows
The gala will begin with the jazz-inspired opera-ballet hailed by the Opera Magazine as "archaic fairground fun."
Piazzola's Adios Nonino arr. Matthew Hardy
A fiery and virtuosic tango showcasing the accordionist Ilona Suomalainen
Bach, Schubert and Heifetz
Violinist Philippa Mo and harpist Olivia present a series of beautiful duets including the Heifetz's luscious Deep River
Maria from West Side Story arr. Matthew Hardy
Bernstein's beautiful song from the musical performed by International award-winning tenor Robin Bailey
Habanera from Carmen arr. Bertie Baigent
Felicity Buckland performs one of the most famous and seductive arias ever written.
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He shall feed His flock like a shepherd from The Messiah - WORLD PREMIERE
A much-loved classic will have enriched meaning as an opera-ballet with new choreography by Jaered Glavin.
Nutcracker arr. Leo Geyer and Lucy Armstrong
Dancers Alice Oakley-Jones and Matt Petty will come together in selection of performances from the essential Christmas ballet Nutcracker, finishing with Waltz of the Snowflakes in opera-ballet style with the original treble chorus.
Supporting Connecting Stars
Since the launch of Connecting Stars, over 50 care home have taken part with nearly 150 performances reaching over 2,000 residents. Loneliness amongst the elderly has long been a shocking crisis in the UK and its only exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic this year. By fundraising through this beautiful gala concert, Constella hope to be able to reach more care homes in future months as well as providing care homes with this digital gala free of charge for their residents to enjoy this Christmas. We would be grateful if you could consider making a donation with your ticket.
Making a Donation
We are honoured to bring joy and happiness to care home residents in these trying times. If you would like to help, we are always grateful to receive donations.
COMPANY
Artistic Director / Conductor Leo Geyer
Choreographer / Dancer Jaered Glavin
Dancer Alice Oakley Jones
Dancer Matt Petty
Soprano Jenny Begley
Mezzo-soprano Felicity Buckland
Mezzo-soprano Rachel Maby
Tenor Robin Bailey
Clarinets Anthony Friend
Trombone Elinor Chambers
Accordion Ilona Suomalainen
Harp Olivia Jageurs
Violin I Philippa Mo
Violin II Henry Rankin
Cello Mike Newman
Costume Designer Sebastian Freeburn
Make-up Artist Billie McKenzie
Videographer Ollie Bowring he/him