Youngsters given chance to put 14th Century adventure into song

Schoolchildren in Perth and Kinross are being given the chance to perform with a leading opera company

Scottish Opera is touring primary schools across the country, giving pupils a chance to be part of a performance of The Dragon of the Western Sea, about the voyages of 14th Century Chinese commander, Admiral Zheng He and his 28,000-strong crew.

Youngsters will learn the words and songs in their own classrooms, then work with a Scottish Opera team to prepare for a performance in front of classmates, friends and family.

The company will visit Oakbank Primary, Perth, on February 6 and Kinross Primary on April 30.

Scottish Opera’s director of education and outreach Jane Davidson said: ‘The composer and librettist were inspired by this real-life story to create a dramatic tale of adventure on the high seas. The plot gives us a wonderful opportunity to introduce Scottish primary pupils to a different perspective on the age of discovery.

“Admiral He predated the journeys made by European explorers by many years.

“The opera provides a fascinating snapshot of the history and customs of other cultures in an appealing and accessible way.’

On February 16, Chinese New Year, a special performance of the show will take place in Glasgow to mark the official launch of Scottish Opera’s Confucius Classroom Hub status.

The accolade is awarded by Hanban Council in Beijing, the headquarters of Confucius Institutes worldwide and Scottish Opera is the first opera company to be selected.