In 2012 Morag McLaren led her first workshop at Cooper Hall for emerging artists and presented a selection of opera scenes to an invited audience. Between 2013 and 2015 A collaboration with Bath Philharmonia was developed and Morag directed three in-house productions with professional singers – Turn Of The Screw, Hansel and Gretel and Cosi Fan Tutte. Cooper Hall has also hosted recitals by internationally acclaimed opera singers Dame Felicity Lott and Sir Willard White as charity fundraisers.
“Yesterday evening was one of the greatest intimate opera experiences that Gaye and I have ever enjoyed. The orchestra was superb – such clarity. Never for one moment did I feel that I missed the full sound of a ‘big’ orchestra. The singers were very, very, good and their ensemble (with orchestra) was impeccable. Above all the drama worked: wit, humour, pathos, poignancy. All performed with an undercurrent of barely restrained eroticism. And as for the ending. Poor Fiordiligi – brilliant!”
Gabrielle & Richard Jelly – Cosi Fan Tutte
Cooper Hall Opera Club (CHOC) started in 2015 and evolved from pre-opera talks given by Ash Khandekar, Editor of Opera Now magazine. Ash continues to support CHOC and generally hosts one event per season. Combined with the insightful knowledge of pianist David Price and Morag’s ability to source and coach the singers, CHOC takes an informative yet informal approach to presenting opera.
“Just a quick line to say how very much I enjoyed the evening on Thursday! I’ve been an opera lover for the last 40 odd years, so it was a real treat to hear the wonderful voices and to have an insight into the preparation behind the scenes. Looking forward to the next evening!”
Jane Read
