Come and Sing Opera Day at The Alice Cross Centre
On Saturday 27th September, The Alice Cross Centre was alive with the sound of opera as 45 singers – some travelling from as far afield as Birmingham – 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 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 from the operatic repertoire:
– Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin
– The famous Habanera from Carmen by Georges Bizet – with a sparkling solo performance by Alice Cross Centre Manager, Peta Howell in her Opera Debut.
– The Chorus of the Wedding Guests from Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti
– The poignant 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 – complete with a “real” anvil played by Steve Bentley (The Alice Cross Fish & Chips cook!)!
The singers were supported throughout the day by the brilliant pianist Ann Fairey, whose skill and sensitivity brought the music vividly to life. The sound that filled the hall was described by many as “incredible” and “uplifting,” proving that opera truly has the power to move and unite.
Local historian Viv Wilson was among those who took part. She shared afterwards:
“It was a wonderful time of music making led by that Musical Pocket Rocket Ilana Jacobs, who is the new Conductor for Teign Choral. She is a bright little diamond who is adding lustre to the local music scene. Such a sociable day too… well done to all. Hope there will be more!”
The Alice Cross Centre has a long history of hosting choirs and musical events, and music continues to be an important part of its everyday activities. This Opera Day not only celebrated the joy of singing but also brought together people from across the region in friendship and harmony.
With such success and enthusiasm, it is hoped this will be the first of many more Come and Sing events at The Alice.
Come and Hear! The results from Opera Chorus day 2025!
Thank you to Viv Wilson for this marvellous footage of the day!
Ilana Jacobs
Ilana trained operatically at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, following a love of singing and performing throughout her childhood and teenage years. She has performed in a wide variety of contexts, including opera, concerts, contemporary classical music theatre, jazz/rock/folk bands.
Ilana has also taught singing for some decades and currently teaches singing at several local schools. In addition, she is the Musical Director of Teignmouth Youth Choir, Rowcroft Hospice Choir, and Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir and plays the piano, ukulele, and bass guitar for fun!
