In 2018, over 450 children were inspired by day-long workshops in their school, getting to know the story and characters of some of our productions.
For the first time we introduced these future opera fans to Wagner. With help from the creative team behind our 2018 production, secondary school students saw behind the scenes of Der fliegende Holländer, including an exclusive presentation from director Tom Guthrie and members of the cast.
“The best workshop we’ve ever had” – Head of Music, Welcombe Hills School
“It’s wonderful to watch children who have never experienced opera engage with it for the first time. The whole day brought out the very best in our children” – Joint Head, Great Rollright Primary School
“A fantastic magical day in every way” – Director of music, Kitebrook Preparatory School
Thomas Guthrie, director of Longborough's 2018 Der fliegende Holländer, gave an in-depth workshop to GCSE and A-Level music and drama students before they watched the dress rehearsal.
He gave an insight into the creative process and collaboration required in taking an opera from page to stage. Several of the performers dropped in prior to their performance to sing iconic arias and to discuss their characters. An in-depth question and answer session with the students demonstrated how much they had taken in and it hugely improved the students’ enjoyment of the opera.
Three opera singers and a pianist spent a day in each of the schools telling the story of La traviata, introducing the characters, performing and teaching some of the arias and choruses. During the workshop they reassembled the opera, adding costumes and props, finally performing it at the end of the day to more pupils from the school, together with their parents.
