March News
March was a wonderfully full and vibrant month for Opera Prelude, packed with a rich variety of operatic events and performances.
On 14th March, we were delighted to return to Hampstead for our latest Opera Bites, featuring mezzo-soprano Clover Kayne. Her thoughtfully curated programme, “Muses, Echoes and Songs of Love,” explored the many shades of love, pairing each aria with a song that reflected it—whether through theme, character, or musical style. It was a beautifully conceived recital, and Clover’s expressive and elegant performance made it a truly memorable evening.
Later in the month, Ceferina Penny reprised her lecture recital “Soubrettes Saving the Day,” this time at The Garrison Chapel in Chelsea. The performance was warmly received, with one audience member praising her “beautiful singing and fun programme.” Ceferina continues to impress us with her artistry and charisma, and we look forward to watching her career flourish.
That same day proved to be a particularly busy one for Opera Prelude, as we presented our first recital celebrating William Morris at the William Morris Society’s Kelmscott House in Hammersmith. Soprano Kristina Ammattil and pianist George Ireland performed “Songs of Avalon: William Morris and the Medieval Dream,” a richly evocative programme weaving together Morris’s poetry and prose with songs by Purcell, Dowland, and later English composers. The recital explored a shared medieval longing for beauty shaped by patience, honour, and imagination. It was a truly special evening in a remarkable setting, and we very much look forward to returning in April.
We closed the month at St Pancras Clock Tower with Stephen Whitford and Maria Levandovskaya, who presented an engaging and insightful recital on Ravel and his fascination with Spain. Their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge brought this captivating subject to life, making it a perfect fit for such an intimate venue and a wonderful conclusion to a busy month.
We are also immensely proud to see Opera Prelude artists achieving success beyond our stage. This year, three singers—Clover Kayne (mezzo-soprano), Hector Bloggs (baritone), and Eyra Norman (soprano)—have been selected as semi-finalists in the Kathleen Ferrier Competition. The semi-final will take place on 22nd April at Wigmore Hall and promises to be an exceptional event.
Mezzo-soprano Nancy Holt also performed in the final of the Handel Singing Competition this month, appearing alongside the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at St George’s Hanover Square.
Finally, we are excited to share that Opera Prelude artists Olivia Rose Tringham and Stephen Whitford have begun rehearsals with HGO for The Rape of Lucretia, running at Jacksons Lane from 18th–26th April. We encourage all our supporters to attend and show their support.
