Teignmouth’s Alice Cross Centre was alive with the sound of opera last Saturday (September 27) as 45 singers gathered in the hall for a full day of music-making.

The occasion was the Centre’s very first ‘Come and Sing Opera Day’ and, according to Alice Cross Centre general manager Peta Howell, ‘the atmosphere was nothing short of electric’.

The day was led by Ilana Jacobs, who trained operatically at the Royal Northern College of Music, and is well-known locally as musical director of Teign Choral, Brixham Male Orpheus Choir, Teignmouth Youth Choir and the Rowcroft Choir.

Her energy and expertise brought singers of all levels together, with many attendees from local choral societies keen to experience the thrill of singing opera choruses in a large group.

Participants worked on five iconic pieces: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin; Habanera from Carmen by Georges Bizet; the Chorus of the Wedding Guests from Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti; the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi; and, as a grand finale, a rousing Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi.

The singers were supported throughout the day by pianist Ann Fairey, who brought the music vividly to life.

Many attendees described the sound that filled the hall as ‘incredible’ and ‘uplifting’, proving that opera truly has the power to move and unite.

‘It was a wonderful time of music-making,’ commented local historian Viv Wilson MBE, was among those who took part. ‘Such a sociable day too. I hope there will be more.”

The Alice Cross Centre hopes its varied events calendar will dispel its reputation as purely being a day centre for the elderly. ‘We’re not,’ Peta affirmed. ‘We’re a community centre and we’re for everyone.’

‘Music continues to be an important part of the Centre’s activities and the Opera Day not only celebrated the joy of singing but also brought together people together in friendship and harmony,’ she added.