’Va, Pensiero’ from Nabucco, performed high above London (Verdi; Royal Opera Chorus)

The Royal Opera Chorus perform ’Va, Pensiero’ from Verdi’s Nabucco on the roof of the Royal Opera House. Taken form ROH Unmasked, which sees performances take place in rarely seen spaces of the Royal Opera House. Watch ROH Unmasked in full for free via ROH Stream until Sunday 23 May: The Jette Parker Young Artists, the Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House have teamed up to breathe new life into Royal Opera House spaces that have been empty this past year. Featuring beloved pieces from Britten, Mozart, Wagner, Puccini, Gounod and Verdi, ROH Unmasked has been filmed in spaces that are not traditionally used for performances, ranging from behind the scenes to on the roof! The music, settings and atmosphere of the performances mimic the experience of entering lockdown and emerging from it on the other side. This is juxtaposed with interviews with the Royal Opera House staff who usually work within the spaces. Featuring Filipe Manu, Alexandra Lowe, Blaise Malaba, Kiandra Howarth and Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha alongside members of the Royal Opera Chorus, this film captures the reawakening spirit of everyone at the Royal Opera House as we return to live performance.