Where Pop meets Opera

Opera and classical music are synonymous with drama, heightened emotions and passion - tempestuous and tormented. Love pure and driven, rivalry, jealousy, ambition – these huge themes are at the heart of so many of the works. It’s no surprise the music has impressed generations of musicians. Queen, Faithless, Charlotte Church, Muse, Katherine Jenkins, Josh Groban - they have taken opera into their hearts, and songs. Radio 2 Dance DJ Dave Pearce talks to music producer, dance and trance specialist Darren Tate (aka Jurgen Vries), Strictly Come Dancing music maestro Dave Arch and X Factor winner and singer Joe McElderry to explore the appeal classical has with contemporary music. Featuring tracks from Enigma, Charlotte Church, Il Divo and Queen.