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    Opera Off-Stage: the private lives of singers

    You might have seen these singers gracing the stages of opera houses around the world, but now thanks to a new charity calendar from the Musicians Benevolent Fund, they're giving us a glimpse of what they get up to on a day off!

    1. opera off stage calendar

      1. Renee Fleming - January

      Before she gears up to tour South America, stunning soprano Renée Fleming enjoys the buzz of London’s glittering theatre scene.

    2. opera off stage calendar

      2. Susan Bullock and Richard Berkeley-Steele - February

      Susan and Richard, otherwise known as Siegmund and Brünnhilde in Wagner's 'Die Walküre' spend a Valentine's evening in their favourite West End club, Two Brydges.

    3. opera off stage calendar

      3. Sarah Walker - March

      Between collecting 19th century blue and white pottery, 18th century Liverpool porcelain and modern British water colours, Sarah Walker enjoys relaxing in her indoor pool.

    4. opera off stage calendar

      4. Lesley Garrett - April

      Lesley Garrett sorts out a bad hair day thanks to her hairdresser friend Trevor Sorbie.

    5. opera off stage calendar

      5. Susan Bickley - May

      Susan Bickley takes a break from her hectic rehearsal schedule at the Welsh National Opera, and escapes to her Whitstable seaside getaway.

    6. opera off stage calendar

      6. Duncan Rock and Dame Felicity Lott - June

      Dame Felicity Lott recovers from her performances at Opéra Bastille in Paris, and Duncan Rock takes a break from the English National Opera as they enjoy the nuances of a British summer.

    7. opera off stage calendar

      7. Elizabeth Watts - July

      British soprano Elizabeth Watts lives the good life in her cottage garden in Somerset.

    8. opera off stage calendar

      8. Bonaventura and Rebecca Bottone - August

      Musical family Bonaventura and Rebecca Bottone (and bump) nod to Bonaventura's Itaian roots and cook up a delicious family feast.

    9. opera off stage calendar

      9. Gerald Finley - September

      The Canadian baritone takes some time out to enjoy the great outdoors in Sussex.

    10. opera off stage calendar

      10. Jonathan Lemalu - October

      Not content with only wearing his costumes on stage, Jonathan Lemalu and his son Joshua perfect their superpowers in a London phone box.

    11. opera off stage calendar

      11. Nicky Spence - November

      Tenor Nicky Spence adds to a very different type of art collection - we hope he doesn't get a new tattoo every time he has a day off!

    12. opera off stage calendar

      12. Sir John Tomlinson - December

      If you're wondering why the glass of sherry you left out for Father Christmas is empty, Sir John Tomlinson might have the answer...

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