ONLY eight years after taking up singing Fiona Alsop’s dream is coming true – to perform at Glyndebourne.
Mum-of-three Fiona is preparing to be part of an opera at the East Sussex venue.
The 50-year-old, who sings with Portsmouth Festival Choir, will be part of the community chorus in the opera Imago.
Joined by 90 other amateurs, Fiona was cast through auditions.
Others in the community choir range from youngsters in their teens to people in their 70s.
Glyndebourne hopes to develop their talent by involving them in the opera and giving them the chance to perform with professionals in the main stage.
Fiona said: ‘I’m someone who came to singing late in life.
‘Having no real musical education, I thought this type of thing would be way out of my league.
‘So it’s no exaggeration when I say it is a joy and a revelation to be part of Imago.
‘I have three grown-up children and they have been such a huge part of my life.
‘But now they’re out in the world, I have more time to do things for myself, hence Glyndebourne.
‘Of course, I miss them but now I’m actually enjoying this new sense of freedom and I’m having the time of my life.’
Fiona, of Wallis Road, Waterlooville, and her teenage daughter are big opera fans but it is a hobby not many people share.
Fiona said: ‘Opera can have a public image of being for the elite and somehow beyond the reach of ordinary folk like me.
‘I’ve always thought that rather sad but honestly, opera is for everyone.’
Imago looks at the importance of friendship and romance to people of all ages as well as examining the impact technology has on us.
Performances run from March 7 and start at 7pm.
Tickets cost £7 and can be bought at glyndebourne.com
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