Opera meets with chorus of approval in Sheffield schools

Sheffield Park Academy and Sheffield Springs Academy each hosted a performance by the English Pocket Opera Company and welcomed primary pupils from nearby High Hazels Academy to join them for the occasion.

The performances formed the exciting finale of a month-long national opera tour which was launched by EPOC and United Learning – the group to which all three schools belong.

They were the last of over 40 shows which have taken place across the country in venues stretching from Hampshire up to Yorkshire. Students at the school were treated to a performance of ‘Opera Blocks’; an engaging, interactive show designed to break down the building blocks of opera.

They were then introduced to the three basic ingredients of opera, in the form of action, words and music, and were taught the more technical side of the music, including the use of libretto, arias and choruses.

Louise Pleasance, Performing Arts Teacher at Sheffield Park Academy said: “What a fantastic way to introduce our students to opera. Everyone involved, students and staff had a great time and learned a lot about an art form many had never encountered.”

At Sheffield Springs Academy, the opera company’s visit was also a winner with students.

One student, Tyreece Comer, said: “Performing in the opera was a bit embarrassing to begin with as I have never done anything like that before, but it was good to do something different.”

Another Sheffield Springs student, Holly Akers, added: “I enjoyed the performance because it was so interactive. I also liked joining in on stage as I enjoy performing so wanted to get involved. I would definitely go to see an opera performance in the future.”