In the summer term, letters were sent out at school telling us that Opera Brava, a professional opera company were looking for local children who might want to take part in an opera version of The Lion, The Witch And the Wardrobe.  Preview: Rehearsals at the opera boot-camp (24/07/07)
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There would be a week of training with real opera singers who would \teach us about opera and how to sing, as well as making costumes and props. When I arrived on the first day we started learning one of our songs. It would be the opening song of the show. Later that day we could audition for a part in the story. There were parts for the main characters as well as parts for the other animals and creatures. Once all of the parts had been chosen we started to rehearse. Props and costumes Over the next few days we started making our props and costumes with the special designers. The prop making was fun but VERY sticky! 
"I loved the sound of the different voices used in opera," said Jana |
When everything was made we started to rehearse with our masks.We were put into two singing groups, Aslan's army and the Queen's army. There were four teachers with us during the week who helped us to learn about opera. They told us lots of interesting things, including how important your muscles are when you are singing and all about breathing properly. I loved the sound of the different voices used in opera. In the evening of Friday, 27 July, we performed in front of a large crowd outside The Forum in Norwich which made me feel a bit nervous - but I got over my nerves and I really enjoyed it. I think everybody did very well, especially the people who had to sing solos. On the last song of the performance, everyone was really strong and did their best and I think everyone had a great time. The opera boot-camp was a great week for me. It was so much fun and I really hope that Opera Brava come back again. Thank you to everyone who gave us the chance to do this. Jana, aged 9 | 
