Joyce DiDonato in prison

[gradus]

Anyone hear this on Today today?

'Maximum security inmates at Sing Sing correctional facility in upstate New York are being introduced to opera.

Mezzo-soprano singer Joyce DiDonato spoke to Today's special correspondent James Naughtie about her experience showcasing her talents to a new audience.

She said her experience confirmed that "opera is for everybody" and is "universal".'

Opera is indeed for everyone and the interview was uplifting and inspiring.

[Cockney Sparrow]

She also performed in the last few minutes of "Newsnight" BBC 2 last night - with four instrumental players !

[Beef Oven!]

Can’t see this cohort of the population being interested in opera, they’ll vote with their feet.

[richardfinegold]

Geez, Trump hasn't taken office yet, and already the Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment are eroding

[Beef Oven!]

Geez, Trump hasn't taken office yet, and already the Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment are eroding

[Richard Tarleton]

Can’t see this cohort of the population being interested in opera, they’ll vote with their feet.

Worth a listen to the interview Beef - sounds as if Handel's Cleopatra went down a storm, they got the sentiments absolutely after she'd told them beforehand what it was about. She also gave them some Rossini, not sure what else.

I was a member of a choral and instrumental group at Exeter Uni in my postgrad year - we did a gig in Exeter prison, 45 years ago now. They were a hugely appreciative audience, though my classical guitar number was probably a bit of a let-down, they were hoping for Johnny Cash.

[underthecountertenor]

Can’t see this cohort of the population being interested in opera, they’ll vote with their feet.

Prejudiced AND patronising. Well done.

[Nick Armstrong]

I can think of a number of sopranos who ought to be locked up - one in particular with an Italian surname - but Ms DiDonato wouldn't have been top of my list...

[underthecountertenor]

Geez, Trump hasn't taken office yet, and already the Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment are eroding

Unpleasant AND unfunny. Well done.

[Beef Oven!]

Prejudiced AND patronising. Well done.

Are you serious? That cohort of the population isn't interested in opera, they really aren’t. In fact most of the wider population isn't! And your post was patronising

[underthecountertenor]

Are you serious? That cohort of the population aren’t interested in opera, they really aren’t. In fact most of the population aren’t! And your post was patronising

You've just done it again. How do you know? Have you done anything like what Joyce di Donato did? Have you spoken to inmates at Sing Sing? If not, you're being prejudiced and patronising.

[Beef Oven!]

You've just done it again. How do you know? Have you done anything like what Joyce di Donato did? Have you spoken to inmates at Sing Sing? If not, you're being prejudiced and patronising.

Only two options? What’s less instructive, a false binary or a perceived prejudice?

[ahinton]

I do hope that Joyce is not reading this thread.

[underthecountertenor]

I do hope that Joyce is not reading this thread.

I think she's probably got better things to do. Much better things.

[ahinton]

I think she's probably got better things to do. Much better things.

Indeed so. Just as well, really.

Cali: who is the Italian surnamed soprano whom you believe deserves incarceration? Just curious! A PM will do the trick of satisfying said curiosity, if you'd be so kind...