"The model of a modern major general” – Hamilton…or opera?

This week, 14- to 17-year-olds from Peckham will take part in an exciting new project about the similarities and differences between rap and opera, in a collaboration between English Touring Opera and Theatre Peckham. Working with opera singer Themba Mvula and rap artist John Akinde, AKA OSOM, they will learn how to use their voice (both in rap and opera), how to write their own lyrics, soundscaping, and building confidence through performance.

Themba Mvula is an operatic baritone based in the UK. Born in Zambia, he completed his training at Birmingham Conservatoire and recently performed in English National Opera’s Olivier Award-winning production of Porgy and Bess. John Akinde, also known as OSOM, is a rapper, poet and writer from Barking and Dagenham.

The sessions will run from Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th July, and will culminate in a recorded performance to be shared on YouTube. For more information, see here.

The project is supported by the D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and the D'Oyly Carte Opera Trust.