Always wanted to try opera but never had the chance? Fancy yourself as the next Pavarotti? Just curious? Well your luck’s in because Oxford Youth Opera is offering introduction to opera classes to Oxfordshire’s 8-16 year old’s which include a mix of storytelling, singing, stagecraft, movement, composition, and even stage combat!
Starting on Saturday at OFS, the 10 week, hour long, classes are split into two groups: 8-12 year-olds and 13-16 year-olds, with bursaries for anyone who might struggle with the fees. At only £7 per session, Oxford Opera founder Stuart Pendred hopes that young people in Oxfordshire “will come along and have a go and try it out.”
Oxford Opera has been going into schools all over the county to introduce opera to as many young people as possible, as well as running events at Museum of Oxford, but the launch of Oxford Youth Opera, has enabled Oxford Opera to run the new course.
“We are so excited about the workshops and want to show that opera isn’t elitist but accessible to everyone, whilst arming young people with a whole new set of skills from learning lines to performing as well as sociability. Essentially opera is story-telling to music, and it will all be done in English.”
“The workshops will demonstrate all the elements that go into a piece of opera and will start with a classic like Tosca and Carmen and finish with a presentation at the end of term.
“Because arts are so undervalued and we want to change that by bringing young people together to create something new. We want everyone in Oxfordshire to be able to enjoy opera and to make it part of the cultural fabric of the county. Plus taking part in the arts are so good for your mental health and social well-being,” Stuart adds.
“And that is our ongoing and growing vision for Oxford opera – to have its roots in the community, and that’s why we have our bursary places, to make sure it’s for everybody. Because opera has always been of the people and for the people.
“So if you are aged 8-16 and have never tried opera before come and give it a go. This is such an exciting opportunity.”
Book here for 8-12 classes https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/oxford/the-old-fire-station/oxford-opera-youth-company-ages-8-12/2024-09-21/14:15/t-xmopanq
Book here for 13-16 classes: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/oxford/the-old-fire-station/oxford-opera-youth-company-ages-13-16/e-eqvqpz
