Opera Star John’s Joyous Voice Wows Dorset Care Home Residents

One of Britain’s top opera singers has given an exclusive ‘tenor on the terrace’ concert for music lovers at a Dorset care home.

John Hudson, who has sung for English, Scottish and Welsh National Operas, performed a selection of pieces at Colten Care’s Castle View home in Poundbury.

While physical distancing rules meant he had to sing outside on the terrace, he had no difficulty projecting his voice so all inside the home could hear him.

Team members put up a gazebo and flooded the terrace with jars of tea lights to mimic a stage while in the home’s lounges, they arranged armchairs in rows to create a theatrical feel.

Residents Joan Edwards, George Clarke and Liz Thompson were all thrilled with the show.

“It was an absolute treat,” said Joan. “I can’t wait till we can have more of this kind of music again.”

George said: “What a talent. It was something different, almost like being at the opera.”

Liz concurred with both comments, adding: “It was amazing to listen to an operatic tenor.”

Katja Williams, Companionship Team Leader, said: “John’s singing certainly lifted everyone’s spirits.

“He projected his fantastic voice so that residents in our lounges and in their bedrooms could hear him easily.”

John studied at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has performed in top venues all over the world including London’s Royal Albert Hall.

He debuted as a principal with English National Opera in 1993, going on to sing in productions of famous operas such as Rigoletto, Tosca and Carmen.

He has lived in the Dorset village of Piddlehinton for ten years with his wife and children.

During the first lockdown, he started doing weekly doorstep concerts from the family home with a repertoire ranging from opera to songs from the musicals.

The performances quickly prompted great interest with his voice resounding around the Piddle Valley.