Entry fee waived in bid to attract youngsters

Paisley’s very own opera company is aiming to encourage a new generation of young audiences — and is letting everyone under 18 in free to its shows.

Opera Bamba was founded in 2016 by student and former Paisley Grammar School pupil Mathew Oliver, who has gathered a small team of talented singers and theatre buffs around him.

So far, concert performances of operas have been staged.

And next up is a summer concert, where the company will explore the music inspired by the effects of wealth and poverty in an event dubbed ‘Rags and Riches’.

A spokesman said: “Opera Bamba is also excited to announce that anyone aged 18 and under is welcome to come along free of charge, as they hope to inspire a new generation of opera lovers.”

And to add to Opera Bamba’s forward- looking feel, Jasmine Munns has been appointed artistic director.

She said “I’m really excited about the selection of music that we have for our concert, looking at two extremes of the spectrum of wealth and poverty.

“This promises to be a night full of laughter, satire and, in some cases, a serious look at the implications of having too much wealth, or not enough.”

Opera Bamba says it was founded with the aim of bringing the joy of live music and opera to the masses.

The company hopes to help emerging musicians kick-start their career, while providing a cultural and economic boost to Paisley and the rest of Scotland.

The company says it was also started to give emerging singers and production crew the chance to work in a professional environment and the opportunity to perform full length operas on stage.

It is hoping to develop and grow, particularly in encouraging the involvement of the next generation in opera and the performing arts in general, as well as outreach projects and collaboration with other local arts groups.

Rags to Riches will be performed at Holy Trinity & St Barnabas Church, Back Sneddon Street, on Saturday, August 26, at 7.15pm.

Tickets prices for those aged over 18 are £10/£8 and can be bought by visiting www.operabamba.co.uk/ tickets or at the door.

Tickets for those under 18 are also available on the website, or at the door.