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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4. Lesley Garrett - April
Lesley Garrett sorts out a bad hair day thanks to her hairdresser friend Trevor Sorbie.
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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.
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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.
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7. Elizabeth Watts - July
British soprano Elizabeth Watts lives the good life in her cottage garden in Somerset.
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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.
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9. Gerald Finley - September
The Canadian baritone takes some time out to enjoy the great outdoors in Sussex.
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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.
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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!
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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...
