Amateur singers from Sussex set to perform on world famous stage

75 amateur singers from across Sussex will have the chance to perform on stage at the world famous Glyndebourne opera house.
Agreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam StephensonAgreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam Stephenson
Agreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam Stephenson

The singers range in age from 12 - 71 and come from across the area, including a number from Burgess Hill, Horsham, Forest Row, Haywards Heath, Pulborough, and Steyning.

The opportunity will see them form the community chorus in the world premiere of a new opera about love, loss and divided lands called Agreed.

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Agreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam StephensonAgreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam Stephenson
Agreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam Stephenson
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Ross Page, 30, from Uckfield, is one of the lucky performers and first performed at Glyndebourne in 1997 in the youth opera, Misper.

He said: “Due to work commitments I had placed opera on the back burner and wasn’t pursuing my passion until receiving an email regarding open auditions for Agreed.

“It is fantastic to be back at Glyndebourne and working with a great team that are passionate and want our input into creating this new opera.”

The opera has a multi-genre score by British composer Howard Moody that includes elements of classical, world and jazz music.

Agreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam StephensonAgreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam Stephenson
Agreed rehearsals at Glyndebourne. Picture by Sam Stephenson
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It is directed by Simon Iorio, who previously collaborated with Moody on another community opera project, PUSH, commissioned by Battle Festival for the ROOT 1066 International Festival.

Composer and conductor, Howard Moody, said: “Agreed is a story of division, but it will be a process that brings so many people together. With an intergenerational cast and chorus, it is fantastic to hear and see the written score coming to life in all the many dimensions that an opera production offers.”

Agreed is performed at Glyndebourne on March 1, 2 and 3, 2019. Tickets cost £15. To book, visit glyndebourne.com/agreed or call 01273 815000.