Here at Welsh National Opera, our mission is to bring opera to as wide an audience as possible, and it’s important to us that age and income are not barriers. Last week, almost 1,500 primary school children descended on Wales Millennium Centre for the first of four free annual WNO Schools Concerts.
Research shows that classical music contributes to the holistic development of children. By incorporating it into their lives, we can help children grow into well-rounded individuals who are not only musically inclined but also emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and academically proficient.
Programme Producer Michael Graham decided on this year's theme, ‘An Operatic Aviary’. When asked why, Mike explained that wildlife, particularly birds and birdsong, has often and enduringly been a source of inspiration for composers. For example, the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi wrote Gli uccelli, meaning The Birds – this five-movement piece uses different instruments to illustrate different birds and their actions. Three of the five movements are performed in this year's concert. The repertoire also includes Dance of the Cygnets by Tchaikovsky from the world-famous ballet Swan Lake.
On agreeing the theme, WNO reached out to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the UK’s leading charity for the conservation of birds. RSPB have been a wonderful partner, sharing their wealth of knowledge, with a tailored focus on Welsh birds.
In his role, Mike brings all of the relevant departments from across the Company together, sharing the vision for the concert and ensuring delivery. The number of departments involved in bringing a performance together is vast, from Casting and Costume to Planning and Props, and so many more.
The Music Library is responsible for exploring whether we will be able to perform our desired music, considering, for example, whether WNO has to pay for a specific piece of music and whether it is within budget. Orchestra Management advise on what our orchestra are able to learn and play within the timescales available.
Unlike most performances, the orchestra sits on the stage, allowing our presenter, on this occasion Welsh actress and singer Elin Llwyd, to easily introduce the different sections. During The Hen from Respighi’s The Birds, we ask the orchestra to don chicken hats - thankfully, they’re great sports and recognise that humour can aid learning!
This year’s concert has two soloists, Welsh soprano Eiry Price and Welsh baritone Owain Rowlands, both of whom are current and former WNO Associate Artists. We always aim to celebrate our Welsh heritage and language, and this year our repertoire features several Welsh language songs.
Unlike a traditional concert, audience participation is encouraged throughout. Another piece performed is Stravinsky’s dazzling finale from The Firebird. Ahead of the concert, pupils were invited to get creative by drawing their own firebirds, which get displayed on a large screen at the concert, potentially giving little ones their first taste of fame! We also shared resources to help teachers facilitate an arc of work both before and after the concert, ensuring children get the most out of the experience.
Jess Price: Learning and Development Co-ordinator, RSPBFrom the moment the children arrived...Their excitement was infectious…I could see our content sparking real interest and delight...When the presenter spoke about Red Kites, the room quieted — they were listening intently, soaking up every word.
Their (WNO) creative direction leaned towards a comedic and energetic tone for the children, which worked really well. That said, every opportunity for conservation storytelling was embraced.
It was such a joy to be part of this event. Seeing the children so engaged…I left feeling proud, inspired, and excited for what we can do next to keep connecting young people with nature.
Our Schools Concert opened in Cardiff last Friday and is now touring to Southampton, Llandudno and Bristol. If you’re a teacher who would like to know more about our schools work, get in touch with schools@wno.org.uk