In celebration of Richard Wagner’s 200th birthday, Seattle Opera will offer a free community sing-along, costume contest, cake and more on Wednesday, May 22 at the Seattle Center Armory. Don your favorite Ring-inspired costume – Norse god or goddess, giant, dwarf, dragon – and join in the fun.
Singers of any age, voice type and ability are invited to join in the sing-along. If you prefer to come prepared, register in advance and receive a link to the music (scores, pronunciation guide and recorded excerpts). As well, people are encouraged to share their best and most creative rendition of Brünnhilde’s famous “Hojotoho” war cry. Celebrity judges, including Seattle Opera General Director Speight Jenkins, will award prizes for best costume and best “Hojotoho.”
“What fun we’ll have celebrating the human voice, and the wild characters of our signature work, Wagner’s Ring, on the composer’s bicentennial,” says Sue Elliott, director of education at Seattle Opera. “Everyone is welcome, from those who’ve never before sung a note in public to professional singers.”
Admission to the event is free, and there will be cake donated by donated by New Renaissance Cakes. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. May 22 also marks the date that single tickets to individual Ring opera performances go on sale to the public. The Ring runs Aug. 4 through 25.
To learn more about the sing-along, email education@seattleopera.org.
Photo credit: Kids dressed as “god doubles” for the final scene of Das Rheingold. Photo by Alan Alabastro.
