Composer Litha Efthymiou’s new opera features lyrics that were written by adults who are or have previously been homeless.

The project is part of a national music programme run by Streetwise Opera, an award-winning charity that uses music to help people make positive changes in their lives, and the music is set to be performed in spring 2017, although a date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

Litha, who lives in Palmers Green and has been composing since she was 12-years-old, wanted to get involved as she believes singing in a group can help inspire and motivate those who are feeling a little lost.

The 36-year-old explains how the opera is making a positive impact in the lives of homeless people…

Why did you want to get involved in this project?

Having followed Streetwise Opera’s progress over the last few years, I have witnessed how captivating the artistic result of integrated collaboration between composer and workshop participants can be.

By bringing their diverse experiences, full commitment and intoxicating energy to each new project, the participants of Streetwise Opera manage to unleash the full potential of the composers and other artistic partners working with them, fostering an exciting exchange that infuses their work with a gripping, distinctive edge.

Too often, outreach in the arts is relegated to the fringes of large-scale productions, treated as a subsidiary afterthought. Streetwise Opera categorically defies this practice by bringing artistic outreach to the forefront of their enterprise, collaborating with the country’s most esteemed artists in diverse and intriguing ways to create stimulating and meaningful work that pushes the boundaries of the operatic form. It was for these reasons that I was strongly drawn to being the composer.

How has opera made a positive impact in the lives of homeless people?

Opera is a powerful art form that can help inspire, motivate and bring about positive change in the lives of individuals facing extensive adversity. Singing as a group is one of the most cathartic experiences anyone can hope to have.

Have you been involved in any sort of projects like this before?

No I haven’t. It’s been a completely new and refreshing experience for me and I’m really enjoying getting to grips with it.

How did your career as a composer begin?

I have been composing since I was 12 years old and have been thoroughly gripped by it ever since. I started composing professionally at the age of 23 when I, along with my sister Effy Efthymiou, who is also a composer, won a National Lottery arts fund to write music for a string quartet and dance project, which was performed at the Arcola Theatre in North London.

Have you always been a composer or do you also play an instrument or sing?

I have always been a composer, but I also play the classical guitar.

What is your all- time favourite song to compose?

I love composing for voice. I think I’d like to write a piece for contralto voice next.

What’s next for you in the new year- are you going to be composing any other shows around London?

Yes. My new project, Rituals To Mould Her With, which was created with my sister Effy Efthymiou, will be performed in London on 5th February at Kings Place. It is a multidisciplinary stage work that has a strong theatrical, choreographic and directorial style, fusing music for harpsichord, electronics and percussion with theatre and movement.

The music will be performed by Britain’s most progressive harpsichordist (according to The Independent on Sunday) Jane Chapman and the acting and movement will be performed by actor Esmé Patey-Ford and dance artist Harriet Parker-Beldeau, the recent collaborator of Willi Dorner, Charles Linehan and Wayne McGregor.

To find out more about Streetwise Opera, visit: streetwiseopera.org