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Five Ways to Wellbeing

Engaging with music can be a useful tool in enhancing mental and physical wellbeing. Here are our top five ways to experience those feelgood musical moments with Opera North.

“We know how important music can be to people at all stages of their lives and how much it can help to forge connections, boost confidence and enhance wellbeing. With this range of activities, we’re looking to enable everyone to interact with music and performance in whichever way suits them best.”

– Jacqui Cameron, Director of Learning & Engagement, Opera North

1. Learn a New Skill: From Couch to Chorus

From Tuesday 14 October, online

Achieving something new is a great way to boost self-esteem, so how about giving opera singing a go? This autumn, Opera North launches the latest in its pay-what-you-can Couch to Chorus virtual singing sessions.

Over four weeks, you’ll master operatic repertoire from Puccini’s La bohème, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, all from the comfort of your own home. It doesn’t matter if you have no idea how to read music or any previous experience, as you’ll be guided throughout by soprano and vocal coach Marie Claire Breen. The course culminates in a livestreamed finale event with the Chorus of Opera North – and there’s the option to come along in person and enjoy a rehearsal with the Chorus beforehand.

Book now

From Couch to Chorus finale with the Chorus of Opera North © Tom Arber

2. Make New Friends: Sing ONwards

From Thursday 9 October

Sharing an enjoyable activity with others has been shown to build a sense of community and togetherness. When singing as a group, everyone’s breathing tends to fall into sync and there’s a general uplift in mood – and, of course, chatting with people afterwards is easier when you have a shared interest.

For people with some singing experience, Sing ONwards daytime choir sessions at Opera North’s home in Leeds are a relaxed way to meet others who love to sing while tackling a range of musical styles and genres. Each session is standalone, but the workshops have been designed to complement each other, so you may prefer to book all four.

Book now

Singing together creates friendships and community © Justin Slee

3. Relax with Music: Distilled Chamber Concerts

Selected Sundays, Howard Assembly Room

Listening to classical music may be useful in helping to reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Our intimate Distilled concerts in the Howard Assembly Room offer the chance to unwind in the company of members of the Orchestra of Opera North while they share some of their favourite repertoire with you.

Whether you prefer woodwind, strings, piano, the distinctive sound of brass or an ensemble of musicians brought together from across the orchestra, this is the perfect way to while away a Sunday afternoon in beautiful surroundings.

Book now

Distilled concerts are the perfect way to relax on a Sunday afternoon © Charlie Swinbourne

4. Remember the Good Times: Melodic Memories

Monthly with Peer Support Services, Howard Opera Centre

Research has shown that music can contribute to the wellbeing of those living with dementia by assisting in the retention of language skills, aiding memory recall, and facilitating communication in a creative, enjoyable way.

Opera North’s Melodic Memories sessions are held each month in our Bramall Education Studio. Participants enjoy refreshments and socialise together before taking part in a variety of activities led by professional musicians.

Find out more

Enjoying a Melodic Memories session in the Bramall Education Studio at the Howard Opera Centre © Ernesto Rogata

5.  Take a Moment: Reconnect Wellbeing Videos

Online

To get your morning off to a great start (or after a tough day), it’s worth spending some time connecting to your breath, body and voice. Reconnect is our collection of singing wellbeing videos designed to help you do just that.

Presented by vocal coach Marie Claire Breen, the online videos are free to access whenever suits you. They can help reduce anxiety, clear the mind and improve your general health and wellbeing. Need convincing? Here are 10 reasons singing is good for you.

Help me reconnect

Marie Claire Breen will help you reconnect with your breath, body and voice.

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