Lynne Plummer - Behind the Scenes at the Opera

Returning favourite Lynne (from the Cardiff Recorded Music Society) gave us a glimpse of the work that is involved in staging a major opera production. Lynne formerly worked for a while at Covent Garden and so was able to see much of the behind the scenes work first hand.

With a mixture of anecdotes, music and pre-recorded interviews she revealed how the designer proposes their ideas at least 18 months before the opening night, dealing with a production manager who must think of everything including how long the singers' shoes will last; how good singers are booked years in advance; how wigs are made for each performer, individually hand made from human hair (apparently Eastern European is best!).

We learnt how much work is put in by the Chorus, undervalued professionals who might sing for 6 hours in a day with rehearsals and performance; and how essential the technicians such as scene shifters are for the smooth running of the show.

All of this was illustrated with music including Tosca, Don Giovanni, Cosi Fan Tutti and Carmen. Lynne also highlighted the essential role being played by institutions such as the Welsh National College of Music and Drama in Cardiff who are training the next generation of singers and backstage technicians. I don't think that any of us will take a stage production for granted again!