One of the diversions, away from bowls, has been our participation in an opera workshop. To be more accurate, there have been only a handful of us involved. Joining the other eight or nine enthusiasts are Brian M, Chris P, Norman W and Hans F.

  On Wednesday, June 6th, we put together a selection of the items we had been working on. The venue was the crypt, at Rochester Cathedral. A small, but appreciative audience was full of praise for the varied selection of singing, poety, movement and dramatic content on offer. Afterwards, light refreshments were available as other creative work achieved by members of the group was on display.

  Tanya Holland, the course leader, had kept us busy over the six weeks, exploring many aspects of opera, including listening, singing, acting, directing and working on costume. Tanya is also supported by Peter Grevatt. Not only is he an excellent opera singer, with years of successful experience, but he contributes by accompanying on piano and in mentoring group activities.

  Tanya also introduced us to other essentials of opera (probably applicable to any performing art). These include the use of mood boards, (some of which are pictures, below), acting and role play, costume and its effect in portraying a character - and much more.

  As part of our 'homework', we were given samples of music, from which we were invited to derive our own follow-up work. Some pieces of writing arose from this task, in the form of poetry or song.

  The wide variety of activities is making the course enjoyable and entertaining - though it is also proving taxing to one or two of us!

  One of the songs we 'performed' was "Dig up the Pitch", which came from an exercise that Tania set. We had to write our own words to one of the ostinatos from Wagner's Ring Cycle.

  Here is Hans' homework:

DIG UP THE PITCH

Did you go to the match?
Did you go to the match?
Yes, I went to the match –
Yes, I went to the match.
Did you see Pompey win?
Did you see Pompey win?
Yes, I know that they won –
Yes, I know that they won!
Well then, what do you think?
Well then, what do you think?
They should dig up the pitch;
They must re-lay that pitch!
Yes, I know it was poor,
Yes, I know it was poor –
It was – aw – ful
(And) no one could stay on his feet!
It was dread – ful
It was much more like “Dancing on Ice”
Yes - I - guess – so,
But it was great just to win.
We – were – luck – y
But it was great just to win!
How else could you have scored?
How else could you have scored?
Still – we’re go – ing
To Wembley on May 15
Still – we’re go – ing
To Wembley on May 15!
But you - won’t – win
As Chelsea will be far too strong
No, you – can’t – win
And I don’t think the Blues’ll go wrong!