Breath Cycle II

Wednesday 1 February, St Luke’s & The Winged Ox
6.30-9.15pm

Welcome to the launch of Breath Cycle II. We're thrilled you can join us tonight.

During lockdown, Scottish Opera repurposed the original Breath Cycle project (developed in 2012 to work with cystic fibrosis patients) to offer support to people living with the debilitating effects of Long COVID, typical symptoms of which include shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. Participants joined an online programme of gentle vocal training and breathing exercises, designed to re-build physical and mental resilience in a nurturing environment alongside others who were experiencing similar struggles.

In addition to the workshops, participants had the choice to join online song writing sessions, mentored by composer Gareth Williams and writer Martin O’Connor. These resulted in a series of songs, which form part of a new set of online resources now available for free for anyone to use in a non-commercial context.

This launch event features the first public performance of these new songs, performed by musicians and singers from many genres, including Admiral Fallow’s Louis Abbott, as well as Scottish Opera’s 70-strong Community Choir. You can also hear from the project artists and participants about their experiences of engaging with Breath Cycle.

As you will see from the performances and conversations tonight, singing is the perfect workout for your heart, lungs, and even your brain! According to the British Lung Foundation, regular singing can have similar benefits to physiotherapy by:

• Teaching you to breathe more slowly and deeply
• Improving your sense of control over your breathing - which in turn reduces anxiety and potential feelings of panic
• Improving posture to help you breathe more efficiently.

Additionally, singing in a group can introduce you to a network of likeminded people – creating an enjoyable, sociable, and rewarding experience!

We hope you enjoy this evening of connection and song.