Presteigne pupils stage their own Puss in Boots opera
Presteigne Primary School pupils have staged their own opera after a week of creative workshops.
Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from the school spent five days working with Mid Wales Opera to produce a mini-opera based on Puss in Boots.
The project was part of a five-day residency led by Mid Wales Opera's creative team, including Richard Studer, the director and designer, and Jonathan Lyness, the music director.
Mr Lyness said: "Teaching songs to kids is one of the best things ever.
"It's such fun, they're so quick, and for those that aren't quite sure, all I need to do is remove the front of an old upright piano and show them the hammers.
"When a teenager comes up to you in the middle of the street in a small Welsh market town, says 'Hello, Jon,' and then starts singing 'What's the use?' from Bernstein's Candide because, some years earlier, they'd learnt this song at the local primary school… that's when you know you've made some sort of difference… in a good way."
Throughout the week, pupils explored storytelling through music and song, learning to create a narrative and write lyrics that would come together in a final performance.
The project aimed to spark creativity, build songwriting and group singing skills, and develop literacy, confidence, teamwork, and imaginative thinking.
The Puss in Boots theme was inspired by Montsalvatge's opera and was selected for its lively characters and episodic structure, which lent itself well to a collaborative performance.
Pupils also had the chance to work with Maria Jagusz, an opera singer, British mezzo-soprano and vocal coach.
Jill Rolfe, Mid Wales Opera's costume creator, helped the class design and make costumes for characters ranging from princesses to ogres.
Mid Wales Opera believes in the 'transformative power of music and performance'.
The organisation is now building artistic plans for the next two years, thanks to the support of funders and the public.
However, it is calling for further donations to ensure it can continue its outreach work in schools and help secure a future for opera in Wales.
Supporters can contribute online at midwalesopera.co.uk, or contact admin@midwalesopera.co.uk to discuss donations or opportunities for collaboration in schools or communities.
Mid Wales Opera is set to return this autumn with its SmallStages tour, featuring Trouble in Tahiti.
The one-act opera by Bernstein takes a sharp look at 1950s American suburbia and will be performed in a chamber arrangement with a cast of five and seven musicians.
The evening will also include a second half celebrating American opera and musical theatre.
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