Only 75 days to go until the opening night of the Purfleet Opera Ludd and Isis.

The project began in late 2009, with workshops exploring the history of Purfleet. Now, nearly a year later, more than 1,000 people around Thurrock, have been involved with the creation of this wonderful piece of opera. And it’s time you heard from some of them.

Rosemary Mathewson was inspired to join the Saturday workshops by the obvious delight of others she knew working in the project. She has this to say about her experience: “I belong to a group of local singers called Golden Voices. Among the members are a handful of men and women who had joined the Royal Opera House workshops. At our rehearsals for Golden Voices, I would see them in a group recalling what they had learnt and practised with the Royal Opera House.

“You could see the excitement on their faces. They couldn’t wait for the next session. I picked up on their eagerness and enthusiasm and decided that I wanted to explore this further.

“Workshop began with a game to determine how we would work as a team, individually, whether we could concentrate, store things in our memory and also if we had a quick reaction. This also enabled us to befriend other participants.

“One particular session was all about dance and free expression. We had to freeze into four positions while flowing from one to another. We all worked to our own capabilities and no one felt any undue pressure to perform.

“The musical director understood we all had different levels of musical knowledge; he introduced the score to us slowly to enable everyone to grasp it. Very quickly, members’ understanding increased and a beautiful sound resonated throughout the hall.

“I am finding it rewarding and most enjoyable. Come along and give it a try. The best is yet to come.”

If you feel inspired by Rosemary, give us a call on 01375 413391 or e-mail getinvolved@roh.org.uk and find out how you can play your part in the Purfleet Opera.