IF you think grand opera is all about very big voice, huge orchestras and vast opera houses, think again! Dorset’s Artsreach rural touring charity is bringing a small scale operatic entertainment to Studland on Thursday 4th December and Yetminster on Sunday 14th.

Village halls may not have much in common with Covent Garden, the Met, Sydney Opera House or La Scala, but audiences at Studland village hall and St Andrew’s Church, Yetminster, can enjoy some of the best-known operatic favourites up-close and intimate, with soprano Callie Gaston, tenor Roger Paterson and pianist Elspeth Wilkes.

The trio invites you to delve into a heart-breaking and enthralling world of vengeance, love and regret. The show features well-loved opera arias and duets followed by some musical theatre classics.

It’s ideal for a relaxed introduction to the genre. Revel in the romance of Puccini, the passion of Gounod and the heartbreak of Verdi. Each piece is set into context by the performers, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

Callie Gaston and Roger Paterson work internationally as performers in a variety of touring ensembles, but this tour makes it possible to bring the grand drama of opera to life in unusual, small venues.