Telling Stories school project

Around 100 primary school pupils from West Cumbria have taken part in a pilot Telling Stories project with Opera North.

As part of a Rosehill programme of schools activities funded through Youth Music, and with match funding from Hadfield Trust, young people enjoyed a creative music-making project that saw them create their own miniature opera, using the theme of 'telling stories' as its stimulus.

Each school's story was woven together by composer Michael Betteridge to form a miniature opera, arranged for the children to perform (singing/spoken word), alongside opera singer Marie Claire Breen, with piano accompaniment from Michael and also an accompaniment part for solo orchestral instrument (played by Opera North percussionist Chris Bradley).

Following a series of workshops held online and then an in-person rehearsal, it all culminated in a day of sharing at Rosehill, including filming and recording.

A fantastic time was had by all!