The hype behind the ‘Kids Go Classical‘ concert at Oxford’s Sheldonian is already revving up with an evening of some of the best choruses in opera from Verdi’s Anvil Chorus to Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and The Witches Chorus from Macbeth being presented by Oxford Opera Company, where the chorus of 120 local young people will shine!
And with Oxford Opera’s Youth Company starting their new term on September 20 at OFS, and looking for new, young members aged 8-16 who can then take part in the prestigious concert, all you need to do it get in touch.
“Joining the Oxford Opera Youth Company could be the beginning of a journey that lasts a lifetime”
Hosted by, and starring members of Oxford Opera’s Youth Company, Kids Go Classical will be a brilliant evening of singing, opera, inclusivity and accessibility will be presented in an exciting and fun ‘easy guide to style approach, with the audience being led from opera hit to opera hit with interesting, fun, educational, and occasionally surprising facts!
Artistic Director Stuart Pendred told us:
“I believe music is a unique language. A language that has the ability to bypass all other languages and cut right to our humanity. Yet music and the arts generally are always the first thing to be cut from curriculums.
“So Kids Go Classical is about accessibility, it’s about opportunity and it’s about unity. I know the impact that music can have on everyone – especially children. That’s why we have such a focus and passion for our work with the young people of Oxfordshire through our Youth Company, our Education and Outreach programmes, both in and out of schools. ‘Kids go Classical’ is another manifestation of our commitment.
“Seeing a child’s face when they first hear a professional opera singer singing live is something you’ll never forget”
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy classical music and all the skills that go with it and Oxford Opera’s Youth Company is a brilliant way in. Every child should have the opportunity to try opera, because it’s not only about the music but meeting people, learning to sing, act, have fun, and make friends in a safe environment where your creativity can be explored.
“You see young people really coming out of their shells and learning a great mix of life skills as they become involved in something bigger than themselves, working together towards a shared goal.”
The ‘Kids go Classical’ concert will also enable the young people to engage fully with a real orchestra and a nationally recognised professional opera singer. Performing with the Oxford Chamber Orchestra conducted by Oxford Opera Music Director John Warner will be a first for many of the children involved from across the County. Schools from East Oxford to Banbury are already involved as Stuart continues to deliver on his vision to ensure that everyone gets to experience the unique art form that is opera.
‘Every child should have the opportunity to try opera, because it’s not only about the music but meeting people, learning to sing, act, have fun, and make friends’
Stuart says: “Seeing a child’s face when they first hear a professional opera singer singing live is something you’ll never forget. If you could see their faces you’d understand the power it has. Joining the Oxford Opera Youth Company could be the beginning of a journey that lasts a lifetime.”
Oxford Opera Company’s Youth Company starts again on September 20 at OFS, and runs every Saturday from 2.15pm – 3.15pm for those aged 8 -12 and 3.30pm – 5pm for those aged 13 – 16. Bursaries are available on application and taster sessions available on request.
Book here: https://oxfordopera.uk. Any questions email education@oxfordopera.uk
For further details on the Kids Go Classical concert watch this space.
