arts

New Musical Activities For Young People

Opera North Children's Chorus perform The Spiders' Revenge. Photo by Tom Arber

Opera North today has announced a wide range of new activities for young singers and instrumentalists with over 300 places available for young people to connect with music over the summer months.

The Company is also looking forward to the Opera North Youth Company being the first through the doors when the redeveloped Howard Opera Centre opens this summer.

Opera North Orchestra Academy. Photo by Justin Slee

The new opportunities include:

The chance for singers from 8 years to audition for the Opera North Youth Company
A Brass Academy and a Woodwind and Horn Academy at Yeadon Town Hall in June
A Strings Academy at the Howard Opera Centre in August
The return of the Opera North Orchestra Academy in the summer holidays
The launch of the Opera North Youth Orchestra for young instrumentalists looking to pursue a career in music
Opera North Creative Camp at Herd Farm for children keen to find out more about taking a show from concept to performance

Kieran Ragan, former Youth Company member said:

“I started in the Children’s Chorus back in 2010 and moved to the Youth Chorus when I got a little older. I was offered so many amazing opportunities with the company … If anyone is considering singing as a potential career, or if you just enjoy singing like me and want to give it a go, I’d highly recommend it. I have lifelong friends and experiences I’ll never forget. Best experience of my life so far!”

Young people enjoying last year's Creative Camp at Herd Farm. Photo by Tom Arber

Jacqui Cameron, Education Director, Opera North, added:

“We are acutely aware of the impact the pandemic has had on young people and their ability to practice, perform and enjoy music together, so we were keen to provide face-to-face activities over the next few months to fill that gap. We hope that we have succeeded in providing something to suit a variety of ages and levels of musical ability.

“We are thrilled to be moving into our new Education Studio this summer – and are particularly excited that our Youth Chorus will be the first to use the Howard Opera Centre on Harrison Street, even beating the Chorus and Orchestra through the doors. It’s just one more indication of how committed we are to the musicians of the future and to nurturing their talent.”