Opera Prelude: ‘Fame, Fortune, Mischief and Mayhem'

Ed Ballard (baritone) TBC (soprano) and accompanied by Natalie Burch on piano.

In this talk, Ed Ballard (baritone) explores the early history of opera in London. How did this continental invention first arrive? Who were the singers who performed it, where and for whom? Who was composing for them? And how were these performances so different to the way we understand a night at the opera today? With live demonstrations, illustrations and a trip into the world of rakes, fops, harlots, coffee houses and gin palaces this talk should illuminate much about both an art form and a city that we love.

Opera Prelude is a small charity passionate about supporting young professional opera singers who give lecture recitals in London. These friendly and inclusive events will introduce you to the international opera singers of tomorrow by way of recitals, concerts and masterclasses.