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whose previous roles include the famous title role in Madama Butterfly for the Mid Wales Opera. With talent such as this, it is no wonder that John is looking forward to conducting the show. Tere is one piece, however, that stands out for him; Te Grand March from Aida by Verdi. In fact, John counts a particularly wonderful performance of this opera whilst in Germany with the Leeds-based Opera North as one of his proudest moments as a conductor. While opera fans will be eagerly awaiting the
arrival of the Classical Spectacular, those who have never listened to this kind of music might not feel informed enough to attend. John dispels this possibility as soon as it is suggested with some gentle advice. “Have an open mind,” he says, “and don’t feel like you need to have any great musical knowledge. Just try to concentrate on what you hear and try to see how a piece of music develops; its shape and content, and how and why it affects your mood and emotions.” Te magical atmosphere and superb musical programme of the Classical Spectacular is, in fact, a wonderful occasion to venture into the classical realm of music. It is an event that everyone can attend, including families. If your children won’t be persuaded by the stunning scores of music then they will, no doubt, be swayed by the show-stopping finale of the show, which includes thundering cannons, muskets and explosive indoor fireworks! As our discussion with John comes to an end, we ask him what he might have done if he had not have ventured into conducting. To this, he responds: “I would be organising something, or somebody, so maybe law.” We cannot help but think that this would have been a great loss
to many choirs, opera companies and classical music audiences. Tank goodness for the ‘classic’ all-boys’ boarding school temptation of the opposite sex!
For more information and to book tickets for the Classical Spectacular, visit
www.echoarena.com
reveals that many British conductors actually started their careers in the same way. He recalls: “Whilst at Cambridge, I made contact with a previous organ scholar who was working at the Royal Opera House in London and through him I auditioned for the Welsh National Opera Company as a Repetiteur, Assistant Chorus Master and Conductor.” Tis is how John’s successful career began all those years ago. Talking to John, it is clear that he is looking
forward to the Classical Spectacular. When asked what aspect of the show is so special, he cannot simply pick one. Instead, he replies: “Te combination of high-class playing and singing with those incredible lighting and acoustic effects makes it a very special performance.” Leading that high-class singing is soprano Stephanie Corley, a widely admired opera singer
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