As part of the project, students from across the Group have been working with artists from the Royal Ballet & Opera to create a unique performance of The Magic Flute. With the aim of promoting students’ creativity, confidence and collaboration skills, the project has so far seen students learn six songs from the opera to perform at the launch event, Everybody Sing The Magic Flute.
During the Summer Term, students will then learn the rest of the repertoire to perform at one of three concerts across the country in June and July. These will be held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Corn Exchange in Cambridge.
Bringing together 1,700 students from 53 schools, the launch event saw students perform excerpts from The Magic Flute in an immersive concert at The Royal Opera House. Students from Year 3 to Sixth Form sang songs from the opera from their seats to create a vibrant performance of The Magic Flute alongside the Royal Ballet & Opera Orchestra and professional opera singers.
As well as performing, a group of Key Stage 5 art students also received a special backstage tour of the Royal Opera House. These students have been working hard to develop costume and set designs inspired by The Magic Flute and enjoyed the chance to meet with artists and designers before the concert. The designs will serve as inspiration for the Royal Ballet & Opera Design Team, who will then create costumes worn by professional singers for the final performances in the Summer Term.
Speaking about the experience, a student from North Oxfordshire Academy said:
“It’s really exciting to be at the Royal Opera House, I’ve would have never dreamed of being in a place like this. I’ve enjoyed learning about the opera and the stories behind it.”
Another student from Montsaye academy said:
“It’s a once in a lifetime chance. I’ve enjoyed learning songs from the Magic Flute and singing with schools all around the country.”
Vikki Newman, Director of Music at Surbiton High School, said:
“The experience is invaluable; it is such an adventure for the students. Knowing that they’re singing where famous musicians and opera singers have performed is really inspiring.”
Catherine Barker, Head of Music and Performing Arts at United Learning, said:
“We were thrilled to launch The Magic Flute Project at the Royal Opera House on Tuesday and it was wonderful to see students participate so enthusiastically to create such a lively performance. From enhancing music education to promoting cultural capital, the project forms part of our commitment to delivering an Education with Character, giving students enriching and memorable experiences in the classroom and beyond. We are of course grateful to the Royal Opera House for enabling this project and very much look forward to continuing to collaborate with them over the coming months.”