A nationwide singalong of songs from the opera Carmen kicks off tonight at 6:45pm.

Locations around the country, from Trafalgar Square in London up to Exchange Square in Manchester, plus a smattering of places above, below and in between, will be united by live satellite links and big screens as one of the most famous arias in classical music is attempted by the public.

Words to The Toreador Song can be downloaded from the Royal Opera House’s website in preparation, here
 
Details of each location participating can also be found on the site.

The singalong is a precursor to a screening of Carmen itself, previously recorded live on the stage of the Royal Opera House.

Performances are free and open to everyone – bring a cushion, a flask of tea and some optimism (failing that, an umbrella).

The singalong and the screening of Carmen is part of the BP Summer Screening season, kicking off tonight and continuing with The Royal Ballet’s Chrom /Tryst /Symphony in C on Thursday June 10th and the ROH’s Simon Boccanegra on Tuesday July 13th.