The Royal Opera House welcomed nearly 2000 school students from Harris Federation schools across England for an Everybody Sing event in Covent Garden.
By Eli Barrott, Advocacy and External Affairs Officer
Monday 17 June 2024
Nearly 2000 school children filled the Main Stage auditorium last week to take part in a sing-a-long version of The Magic Flute, alongside artists of the Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Eighteen classes of Year Five students from the Harris Federation of schools have been participating in the Royal Opera Houses's Create and Sing programme throughout the academic year.
“I didn't think opera would be so much fun to learn - I want to go and see another after this one!”
This event was the culmination of the year-long partnership in which schools learned and prepared six short song through 'live lessons' hosted by the Royal Opera House. Students aged 9 to 10 from 18 different schools in London and the South-East have been working together to prepare for the event; an unforgettable hour of singing and creativity.
“I think opera is one of the best ways to spread your feelings and emotions.”
The Royal Opera House is committed to widening access to high-quality artistic experiences for young people and inspiring creativity in communities across the UK. The Everybody Sing initiative is one of the programmes that aims to increase access to the arts and break down barriers to opportunity in the creative industries for young people.
“All the students here today have been involved with our Create and Sing lessons at school and watching them experience the Royal Opera House, often for the first time, is such a magical thing to witness. Seeing that authentic excitement of the theatre is what makes days like this and our School Matinees’ so integral in our National Schools’ Programme, giving children across the UK a chance to be creative at school and experience the joy of dance, music, and design.”
The collaboration between the Royal Opera House and the Harris Federation has helped to upskill both music-specialist and non-specialist primary school teachers to be able to introduce pupils to opera. It also gives them the tools to embed creativity into primary education.
“It’s been so wonderful teaching opera to the children. It’s been something new for me and for them and exploring something new together with your class is always special. Everyone has had to step out of their comfort zones whilst some children have really found theirs - it’s been a joy.”
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)