Education
Opera Brava workshops in schools
For over 35 years, Opera Brava have been changing lives and making lifelong memories with our unique and inspirational workshops for children aged 7–13. Lifting children out of the classroom and introducing them to this incredible art form whilst creating a highly participative and fun environment for everyone involved, both pupils and teachers.
The workshops are led by 7 professional artists who have worked around the world, including Opera houses such as Covent Garden and English National Opera. They work with and perform alongside the children.
In this new world they find confidence, new skills and hidden talents that can literally transform lives and a childs education.
Susan’ has never been to the theatre. Never heard the piano being played. Never heard of the word ‘opera’. Yet there she was, in a main role, singing her heart out in front of a packed hall when only months ago was receiving support for witnessing domestic violence in the home and too timid to speak to an adult. Honestly, your work with us really does change lives”
The power of music for life and education
The power of music and opera, alongside working with role models and professionals, offers endless benefits. Music also plays a vital role in their brain development, emotional well-being, and social skills. It accelerates growth in language and reading, improves memory, attention, and promotes empathy and trust. Additionally, music boosts creativity, spatial intelligence, and mathematical understanding.
“Head Teachers who have worked with us, told us that they had their best SATS scores ever following a week with Opera Brava. One of many incredible and what might seem unexpected outcomes. The reality is - music has extraordinary powers” Amanda Pomorski, Co-Founder, Opera Brava
Changing lives.
Bringing the joy of Opera to over 30,000 children in 250+ schools
Unlocking potential, building confidence and self-esteem.
AN INTRODUCTION TO OPERA
WORKSHOP ONE: AN INTRODUCTION TO OPERA
Workshop One introduces children to the fantastic world of Opera. A whistle-stop tour of different styles beginning with Gluck and Handel and journeying all the way through to Gershwin. The children begin by learning about breathing, posture, Italian vowels, vocal warmups, tongue-twisters and working as a team in a short sung Italian extract. All this takes place in a creative, participative, action-packed and informative two hour workshop.
LET’S MAKE AN OPERA
WORKSHOP TWO: LET’S MAKE AN OPERA
Opera Brava will spend six days with the pupils preparing them to perform a fully staged Opera. The Children will not only learn how to sing but will be taught skills such as prop and mask making, dancing, stage management, acting and everything that goes into making an Operatic success! Parents and friends are invited to attend the performance which would either take place in a local venue or in the school.
Through the schools' program the children work with a range of professional individuals to develop their knowledge and enjoyment of music and at the end of the week they perform in a fully staged opera.
Opera Brava started working in schools in 1998 creating their own workshops and bringing in composers to work alongside them. Their first piece was the "Space Dragon of Galatar" by John Painter. Then came the premiere of two modern and challenging mini operas, "The Prodigal Son" and "The Selfish Giant" by Matthew King, now an internationally renowned composer.
A large scale work was then commissioned called "The Promise" this was written by Jill Townsend based on Luke‘s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. The Promise premiered at the Queen Elizabeth Hall London in 1997. It involved 200 or more children, 10 opera singers an actor and a 22 piece orchestra. This Opera was repeated twice more giving hundreds of children from many varying backgrounds the opportunity to perform.
These operas have been very successful over many years and the children have loved working with opera singers, designers a composer and a director. They also spend time during the workshops designing and creating masks and props their hard work culminates in putting on a fully staged opera for their parents peers and teachers at the end of the week.
“Thank you once again for bringing such a special experience to our children. Every child in this country should have this opportunity! What I love most is that opera is cool in our school! How cool is that!”
“All elements were done to such a high standard that it has given the children a clear understanding of what excellence looks like; it will be something they never forget and will take with them into many other areas of life
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“I loved opera brava because we learnt all different warm-ups. Also I love that it gave people a lot of confidence to stand up in front of a crowd.”