Fifty children from across the north will be taking to the stage at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal this Sunday, 28 April, as Opera North Children’s Chorus perform a new production inspired by Mozart’s much-loved opera The Magic Flute.
Don’t Call a Dragon a Worm has been specially written for the 8 to 12-year-olds by director, writer and performer Anthony Haddon. He turns the spotlight on the dragon who puts in a very brief appearance at the start of Mozart’s fantastical opera and who, it turns out, is not pleased to have been given such a minor role or to have been treated so badly. Anthony narrates the piece assisted by the young singers who also perform a selection of Mozart melodies.
The Opera North Children's Chorus meet each week in Leeds and Newcastle © Justin Slee
The Children’s Chorus meet on a weekly basis to perfect their vocal technique and master all aspects of musicianship under the guidance of Opera North’s choral delivery artists. This performance brings together the young singers from both the Newcastle and the Leeds choirs. Accompaniment is provided by musicians Sylvia Hallett on accordion and Polly Virr on cello, with Youth Chorus Master, Nicholas Shaw, conducting. Although they have previously sung in town halls and other venues across the region, it will be the first time the children have performed in the stunning surroundings of the town’s historic Georgian Theatre Royal.
ONCC perform The Spiders' Revenge © Tom Arber
Don’t Call a Dragon a Worm lasts around 40 minutes and has been created to appeal to adults and children alike. There are performances at 2pm and 4pm on the Sunday afternoon with tickets available for £5 (booking free applies).
Opera North Children’s Chorus is supported by the late John Barchard and Dr Claire Barchard, The Bernarr Rainbow Trust, The Carntyne Trust, The Holbeck Charitable Trust, The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation (Leeds only), and Sir James Knott Trust (Newcastle only).
