As the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, music is needed more than ever to help us overcome this crisis.

While away from the stage amid the pandemic, West Australian Opera is working in the “ghost light” to connect with audiences through digital innovations. 

Wesfarmers Arts Virtual Singing Classes have been designed to share the joy of music and keep you singing through the uncertainty with Lisa Harper-Brown.

Each Monday from April 13 to May 18, Harper-Brown will share a video online, with the aim of having fun as well as providing vocal and breathing techniques.

“You’ll be able to take the lesson at your own leisure and re-watch [it] as many times as you like,” West Australian Opera CEO Carolyn  Chard said.

The classes are available for free to registered participants via the company’s website.

Music director Chris van Tuinen will also be sharing a monthly podcast series from April 14 to December 8.

Each month, van Tuinen will welcome special guests to discuss all things opera, from “behind the scenes” moments to “meet the artists” spotlights.

The new initiatives come as West Australian Opera recently launched Ghost Light Opera, a series of beautiful arias performed on a dark stage in an empty theatre.

One aria is released every Saturday via online platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, e-newsletter and website).

“Ghost Light Opera will enable the experience of beautiful music to transcend from the stage of His Majesty’s Theatre and into your home wherever you are,” Chard said.

“In a difficult environment with limited social gathering and isolation measures in place, West Australian Opera’s Ghost Light Opera will provide a platform for everyone to engage with the state opera company despite empty seats and closed venues.

“We can still connect with each other, we can still share the power of music and try to help heal the soul in challenging times.”

Ghost Light Opera features soprano Emma Matthews, mezzo soprano Fiona Campbell, tenor Paul O’Neill and baritone James Clayton, accompanied by Italo-Australian pianist Tommaso Pollio.

Pollio was raised in Perth in an Italian family, with his mother migrating from the island of Ischia in 1963, and his father arriving from Agerola, above Amalfi, four years later.

The acclaimed pianist often travels to Italy and has performed in the Belpaese many times.

Back in Perth, Pollio was approached to prepare the repertoire for Ghost Light Opera along with the singers involved.

On the day the group got together to record the repertoire, His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth was set to close at 12:00 pm as further coronavirus restrictions were imposed.

“We had three hours to do the recording,” Pollio said.

“The four singers were all fantastic to work with and we filmed weeks’ worth of performances in a morning.”

Due to social distancing rules, the recording was slightly unique.

“We didn’t get any applause, but it was lovely,” Pollio laughed.

“The singers and I couldn’t be close and it was a bit strange; it was difficult connecting from so far away, but I think we pulled it off while distancing.”

The arias showcased in the initiative include operatic classics and more contemporary works such as La Vie en rose, all accompanied by Pollio on the piano.

Pollio will also provide the music for the Wesfarmers Arts Virtual Singing Classes.

The talented musician said he hopes the initiatives provide a “breath of fresh air” during this difficult time.

“I’ve received feedback that Ghost Light Opera has been very uplifting for people,” he said.

“And the singing classes give people something to do while they’re in isolation.”

West Australian Opera is currently working on more digital initiatives, to be announced in the future.

Experience the passion, power and artistry of opera your way and enjoy a West Australian Opera performance or event.

For more information, visit the company’s website.