‘Hull of an Opera is about removing barriers to cultural experiences’
Children taking part in Hull of an Opera(Image: supplied image)
More than 2,000 children from 32 schools across Hull are taking to the stage as part of Hull of an Opera, one of the city’s largest collaborative music projects, delivered in partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera. The four-day programme, delivered by Hull Music Service and based on the Royal Ballet and Opera’s acclaimed Create and Sing initiative, gives primary school children the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professional opera singers and live musicians in a professional theatre setting.
The first two days were held at Middleton Hall, at the University of Hull, last week when pupils performed Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The next two opera performances will be of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, taking place today (Monday, June 29) and Bizet’s Carmen on Tuesday, June 30, both at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Hull.
Designed to widen access to arts and culture, the project brings together schools from across the city to give children an unforgettable experience of live performance while building confidence, creativity and teamwork. Louisa Waldron, trust music lead for Hull Collaborative Academy Trust (HCAT) and headteacher at Westcott Primary School, said: “Every child deserves moments that make them think, ‘I didn’t know I could do that.’
“Hull of an Opera is about removing barriers to cultural experiences and giving children access to something truly extraordinary. For many of the children involved, this will be their first experience of working alongside live musicians and professional opera singers.
“Standing on a stage and being part of a large-scale performance may not change what a child wants to be when they grow up, but it can change what they believe is possible.
“We want children to leave with confidence, pride and a sense that these cultural spaces belong to them too.” James Dickinson, head of Hull Music Service, said: “We are delighted that Hull Music Service has had the opportunity to work with so many of our schools on this fantastic Royal Ballet and Opera project.
“I would like to thank the teachers and schools involved for their commitment to the arts and for embracing this opportunity so enthusiastically.” Through singing, storytelling and performance, Hull of an Opera aims to nurture confidence, develop communication skills and encourage a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts.
Create and Sing is the Royal Ballet and Opera’s flagship primary schools programme, designed to introduce children to the world of opera through singing, storytelling and creative performance. The programme provides teachers with free, curriculum-linked resources, lesson plans and professional development, enabling schools to deliver high-quality music education regardless of their previous experience of opera.
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