News & Events

Singing in the train...

Commuters in Oxford were treated to a burst of opera as they waited for their trains. Singers from the Opera Anywhere company, accompanied by a grand piano, performed on April 1 at the city's railway station to promote their forthcoming tour.
Performers sang excerpts by local composer Sir Lennox Berkeley, born at Boars Hill in 1903.

Mike Woodward, the company's director, said: "We hope to bring a bit of variety to Oxford's daily grind and introduce a few people to these wonderful, little-known operas."

Although some travellers complained they couldn't hear announcements, the sound of music put a smile on most people's faces. Phil Good suggested someone play the piano every day. The 27-year-old said: "It gets opera to a wider audience. I think that is the only way you are going to break the stereotype."

Paul Whiles was more concerned about staff getting bored of it. The 51-year-old, from north Oxford, said: "Opera is all very well but maybe not just after breakfast."