OPERA North has unveiled a new initiative to bring the thrill of live performance into homes across the country, forging crucial connections through music during the lockdown.

Designed in recognition of the fact that many people are feeling increasingly isolated at home, while others are continuing to miss their usual culture fix, ONe-to-ONe will provide personal online performances delivered by members of the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North.

From a cappella arias and toe-tapping folk songs to Bach cello suites and a marimba solo, the recipient will be treated to a special experience performed by a professional musician especially for them over Zoom.

Following on from the success of the carol concert which Opera North streamed to local care homes in the run-up to Christmas, ONe-to-ONe performances will also be offered to residential homes to help keep their residents entertained and engaged with culture while the possibilities for social interaction remain limited.

Phil Boughton, director of orchestra and chorus, said: “We’re aware that many people are finding this lockdown the hardest of all. It has also been a really testing time for the members of our chorus and orchestra who, due to the ongoing restrictions, have been unable to perform in front of an audience for many months.

“ONe-to-ONe grew out of a desire on the part of our musicians to forge a musical connection with someone in need of a boost, and to bring a moment of joy into people’s lives.

“The repertoire will be a ‘lucky dip’ with the performance kept under wraps until everyone is ready online, but anyone who takes part can be assured of an extraordinary experience streamed direct into their home.”

The pay-as-you-feel performances will last around 10 minutes, with people asked to book a slot on the Opera North website up to 48 hours in advance.

Slots will initially be offered from Monday 15 February to Saturday 27 February 2021, with over 90 performances available to book during that time.

David Greed, leader of the Orchestra of Opera North, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the reactions of people when we perform for them.

“It will certainly feel very different for me to be playing in my home and for the audience to be sitting in their living room rather than a theatre or concert hall, but it is wonderful that technology gives us the opportunity to keep in touch in this way. “If ONe-to-ONe puts a smile on people’s faces and provides them with a memorable experience during lockdown, it will definitely have been worth it.”