Anyone with access to a computer or smart phone can get the opera experience on Saturday, May 10, when seven of the UK’s opera companies join forces for a unique online event.

Offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, interviews and an insight into the creation of opera, Inside Opera:Live is to be streamed on YouTube from Opera North’s base at Leeds Grand Theatre.

Combining live coverage with filmed footage it will follow performers as they get ready to go on stage; meet the people behind a production; show the skill of making a period costume; and find out how a singer prepares for a role.

A collaboration between English National Opera, English Touring Opera, Northern Ireland Opera, The Royal Opera, Scottish Opera, Welsh National Opera and, of course, Opera North, the event is part of a Europe-wide celebration of the art form over the weekend of May 10 and 11.

Designed for both opera buffs and those who know little, Inside Opera is being hosted by Opera North as its performers prepare for matinee and evening performances of Puccini’s La Boheme.

The event starts at 2pm and continues until 6pm, during which time viewers will have the opportunity, using Twitter, to put questions to the companies’ artistic directors. Among the operas featured will be classics such as The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro, as well as newly-produced works such as The Importance of Being Earnest by Gerald Barry.

Inside Opera: Live can be seen at www.youtube.com/insideopera from 2pm on May 10.

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