Launched in 2016 the Opera North Orchestra Camp and Opera Challenge connect young people from across the city region with Opera North musicians and singers at a week-long event on the University campus based at the School of Music.
During four days of workshops followed by a public performance on the fifth day, Opera North singers and musicians coach and perform alongside 8-16 year-olds from diverse backgrounds across the Leeds and wider area.
“In 2017 I helped Opera North deliver the first Opera Challenge, which took place at the University of Leeds. Forty children created and performed their own opera. I worked with and learned a lot from Lucy in the Opera North Education Department as we brought our vision to life – working with a drama director and vocal delivery artist and engaging the Opera North Chorus. For most of the children it was the first time they had seen a university and it was great that they could meet the students from the School of Music – it helped them realise they might go to university themselves one day.” Adam Thompson, Pettman DARE Fellow: Music Education, 2016/17.
Students from the School of Music engage with the Camps as researchers and for experience in working with young people and event management.