Royal Opera House calls for Verdi videos

31 December 2012, 12:47 | Updated: 31 December 2012, 12:58

Marking Verdi's 200th birthday year, the Royal Opera House is searching for singers to perform their own video versions of 'Va pensiero' from Verdi's Nabucco.

While others may be out watching fireworks displays with a glass or two of bubbly, the Royal Opera House are inviting Verdi-lovers to celebrate the start of 2013 in a very unusual way. While out in an 'interesting, fun location', they are asking for singers to submit performances of Verdi's 'Va pensiero', the famous slave chorus from Nabucco, and the best ones will be shown as part of Royal Opera Live on 7 January.

Tenor Rolando Villazón has pledged his support for the campaign, recording his own video on YouTube to encourage singers to take part. Opera fans of all ages can sing along to the subtitled version, while keeping in time with Villazón's voice and the piano accompaniment.

"If you don't remember the words, it's ok, just hum it or say 'la la la!'," he enthused. "Listen to myself in your headphones, hum along, and submit your videos!"

As well as being broadcast as part of Royal Opera Live, which will also include a backstage glimpse into live rehearsals, interviews, and performances, some of the best submissions will be incorporated into a new composition by British composer Elspeth Brooke, to be premiered in 2013.