Virtual Theatre

Christmas Gala Programme 

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Constella is delighted to present an extravaganza of opera-ballet to bring Christmas cheer directly to a digital device near you! This gala is in aid of Constella's Connecting Stars, our live, interactive and virtual performance programme to support care home residents who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. 

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Our first act will be framed within the context of Constella’s award-winning and critically acclaimed Sideshows, featuring a series of solos by Connecting Stars artists. Our second act will see showcase a Christmassy wonderland with some cherished favourites, including a daring reimaging of Handel's Messiah. 

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The Bearded Lady from Sideshows 

The gala will begin with the jazz-inspired opera-ballet hailed by the Opera Magazine as "archaic fairground fun."

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Piazzola's Adios Nonino arr. Matthew Hardy 

A fiery and virtuosic tango showcasing the accordionist Ilona Suomalainen 

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Bach, Schubert and Heifetz

Violinist Philippa Mo and harpist Olivia present a series of beautiful duets including the Heifetz's luscious Deep River

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Maria from West Side Story arr. Matthew Hardy 

Bernstein's beautiful song from the musical performed by International award-winning tenor Robin Bailey 

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Habanera from Carmen arr. Bertie Baigent

Felicity Buckland performs one of the most famous and seductive arias ever written. 

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He shall feed His flock like a shepherd  from The Messiah - WORLD PREMIERE 

A much-loved classic will have enriched meaning as an opera-ballet with new choreography by Jaered Glavin.

 

Nutcracker arr. Leo Geyer and Lucy Armstrong 

Dancers Alice Oakley-Jones and Matt Petty will come together in selection of performances from the essential Christmas ballet Nutcracker, finishing with Waltz of the Snowflakes in opera-ballet style with the original treble chorus.

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Supporting Connecting Stars 

Since the launch of Connecting Stars, over 50 care home have taken part with nearly 150 performances reaching over 2,000 residents.  Loneliness amongst the elderly has long been a shocking crisis in the UK and its only exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.  By fundraising through this beautiful gala concert, Constella hope to be able to reach more care homes in future months as well as providing care homes with this digital gala free of charge for their residents to enjoy this Christmas. We would be grateful if you could consider making a donation with your ticket.