Christmas Gala
'one of the best Christmas concerts'
Classic FM
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'Everything sounds – and looks – magical' ★★★★★
The Upcoming
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'If there has ever been a time to reimagine the arts, it is now – and the Constella OperaBallet delivers exactly that'
Sadie Takes the Stage
'There is a lot of talent on display from the dancers, singers, choreographers and arrangers. All musicians are very accomplished.'
Broadway World
'This is an impressive show with talented performers, some beautiful performances and all for a great cause.'
From Page to Stage
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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.
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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.
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The Bearded Lady from Sideshows
The gala will begin with the jazz-inspired opera-ballet hailed by the Opera Magazine as "archaic fairground fun."
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Piazzola's Adios Nonino arr. Matthew Hardy
A fiery and virtuosic tango showcasing the accordionist Ilona Suomalainen
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Bach, Schubert and Heifetz
Violinist Philippa Mo and harpist Olivia present a series of beautiful duets including the Heifetz's luscious Deep River
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Maria from West Side Story arr. Matthew Hardy
Bernstein's beautiful song from the musical performed by International award-winning tenor Robin Bailey
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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.​
Duration
50mins
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Premiere Production
8th December 2020
Virtual Theatre Production
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Artistic Director / Conductor Leo Geyer
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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
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Music Arranger Lucy Armstrong
Music Arranger Bertie Baigent
Music Arranger Matthew Hardy
Costume Designer Sebastian Freeburn
Make-up Artist Billie McKenzie
Videographer Ollie Bowring
Filmed at Studio Wayne McGregor