Streetwise Opera is a charity which enables people who have experienced homelessness to find inspiration and empowerment through music while they rebuild their lives and identities. Tenebrae and Streetwise Opera have often partnered together in the past, and we are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming collaboration where our Associate Artists will perform with them in their annual carol concert, Deck The Halls with Streetwise Opera. The evening is hosted by acclaimed actor Simon Callow, and also features guest artists and sing-along Christmas favourites!
We caught up with the Streetwise Opera performers in anticipation of the concert, and asked them about their experiences within the charity, as well as what collaborating with artists like Tenebrae means to them.
Q&A with Dee
Hi Dee! How long have you been singing with Streetwise Opera?
Dee: Oh gosh, it goes back to about 2016.
What are some of the highlights of your time with Streetwise Opera?
Dee: Firstly, the fact that we are together—being Streetwise—it’s like a little family. Spending the night in the Tate Modern with composer Gavin Bryars (for a durational performance of Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet) was a huge highlight for us when we sang six lines for 12 hours. We’ve also sung at the Royal Opera House, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Albert Hall.
What does being part of Streetwise Opera mean to you?
Dee: When I was first in The Passage, I’d been homeless for about seven or eight months. I used to go in there and hear these voices and think, “Oh, I love that,” but I was too shy to join. At first, I stood quietly at the back and didn’t even open my mouth.
Streetwise [Opera] has been sanity for me. I was suddenly on the street with no hope, through no fault of my own. But Streetwise [Opera] gave me a purpose, a structure, which is what you need if you’re on the street. Now, every day is different, and I have something to look forward to. It’s been a pleasure—exciting, sometimes frightening, but it’s kept me going.
What do you think is important about working with professional musicians and composers?
Dee: Professionals encourage us to get better. They give us confidence and bring credibility to our performances. Having professionals with us makes us feel like our choir isn’t just a little choir—it gives us encouragement and helps us feel like we’re becoming professionals ourselves.
How does it feel to know that you’ll be singing alongside Tenebrae Associate Artists at the Christmas Carol Concert?
Dee: It’ll be a wonderful experience. When professionals like Tenebrae performers join us, like at the Christmas Carol concert, they help make our voices richer.
What makes the Christmas Carol concert special?
Dee: Well, Simon Callow is fantastic! Last year, he kept us all enthralled when he performed a bit of Oliver Twist. It was mind-blowing. For the audience, they get to hear the richness of our efforts. It’s warming—it’s Christmas all around.
Q&A with Lady P
Hello Lady P! How long have you sung with Streetwise Opera?
Lady P: Since 2017, with a short break during the pandemic.
What have been your highlights?
Lady P: Performing at Buckingham Palace and having my photo taken by the Queen’s personal photographer—it flattered my ego! Another highlight was the Re:Discover project, where we created our own opera and researched Black composers.
What impact has Streetwise Opera had on you?
Lady P: It emboldens me and gives me access to places that I wouldn’t be able to access and then enables me to perform there. I think it’s that thing of the unseen being seen—no longer am I hidden on the streets or sofa surfing but instead performing loud and proud, and that gives me some joy.
What were your reflections on working with Joel Thompson and Tenebrae in 2023?
Lady P: Joel brings beauty to the storytelling of the turmoil of the human psyche—something that you want to hear and listen to. He creates hope in despair.
How do you feel about performing alongside Tenebrae Associate Artists?
Lady P: Opportunities like these make us feel amazing. They create harmony between us and the professionals and remind us that music speaks to us all.
What is special about the carol concert for you?
Lady P: Really, that people pay to listen to us! It’s a beautiful, dignified event, and Simon Callow does the readings. It makes us feel amazing that it’s become a regular feature of everyone’s Christmas.
Find out more about the event and book tickets.
📆 Friday 13 December
🕐 6:30pm
📍 All Hallows by the Tower, London, UK
🎟️ From £10