Children Discover Opera At College
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Children from throughout the Tees Valley performed an opera – to the delight of appreciative audiences.

Director John Forsyth said he was delighted with the performance. “These children have only been together for a few weeks and yet they have delivered a performance that is thoroughly professional”.

The audience were treated to a performance of “All the King’s Men’, an opera specially written for children by Richard Rodney Bennett, which follows events during the English Civil War as Royalist soldiers attempt to seize control of the city of Gloucester which is held by Parliamentarian soldiers, using an invention to do so.

“The choice of this children’s opera was made for several reasons. It is perfect for children to act and sing, it offers lots of opportunities for everyone to have something to do, and it is a great story”, said John.

The children, whose ages ranged from seven to fourteen, are members of Locomation – a boys choir based in Darlington – and Tees Valley Voices. They were accompanied by members of Tees Valley Youth Orchestra.

“The performance has been a voyage of discovery, because the whole production has been pulled together in three choir rehearsals and two weekends. I am so proud of the achievement of every member of the cast”, said John.

Joan Carter of Tees Valley Voices paid tribute to the support received from the College.

“The College has been wonderfully supportive. The venue is fantastic, the staff and students of the Performing Arts Department have helped us with the set and with lighting, sound and other facilities. Everyone from the College has been wonderful, but I must particularly thank Claire, Jason and Simon, who have provided us with great advice, help and support – building a set which incorporates the city of Gloucester and a river in less than two weeks is no mean feat!”

Joan Carter also thanked Platform for Classical Music in the Tees Valley who helped fund the performance, Durham Music Support Service, Clelevand Philharmonic Choir, the music leaders of the two choirs, and the parents of all the children involved for their support.

The performance proved so popular that the troupe had to schedule two performances, not just the one originally planned, to accommodate all those who wanted to see it.

The final performance was attended by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jim Ruck, accompanied by his wife, Margaret. Darlington Council has supported the Locomation Choir.

“After the success of this event, we are already looking forward to see what we can do in the future”, said John Forsyth,”I think that we can safely say that Children’s Opera has arrived in the Tees Valley!”.