CALL OUT TO SCHOOLS! 'Discover Opera' and 'Discover Singing' are back for 2023

Following a successful programme in 2022, Music Generation Waterford will bring singing and opera to classrooms around the county again this year with Discover Opera and Discover Singing - innovative education initiatives in partnership with Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.

Thanks to the generous support of the Tomar Trust and Waterford City & County Council, the musical education outreach projects allow primary school children and their teachers to dive into the creative world of opera and singing – inspiring dialogue, critical thinking, and tons of fun.

Shauna McCullough, Music Development Officer at Music Generation Waterford said: “Music Generation Waterford is delighted to partner again with Blackwater Valley Opera Festival to bring the wonder of singing and opera to life for local primary school children.

“Through exploring the music, story, and characters alongside visiting the set and meeting some of this year’s cast, this partnership has created exciting and unique opportunities to spark children's curiosity for opera and singing - both on and off stage - in the classroom, and beyond the walls of Lismore Castle.”

Discover Singing is a singing project for primary schools where 3rd - 6th class children and their classroom teachers take part in a series of inspirational singing workshops to explore the voice, learn fun and engaging songs and work towards a singing experience in Lismore Heritage Centre. This project is an active participatory project with lots of singing, movement and musical exploration led by a professional team of musician educators and guest choral conductor and BVOF Chorus members.

Discover Opera is an exciting series of educational music workshops, culminating in an immersive opera trail for participating schools at Lismore Castle Gardens.

Discover Opera brings children and their teachers into the curious and creative world of opera, exploring the music, story, and characters alongside visiting the set and meeting some of this year’s cast and crew. This project is an active participatory project with lots of singing, movement and musical exploration led by a professional team of musician educators, Elizabeth Stuttard, Danny Dunford, Damien Kehoe, and special guest opera singer Sandra Oman.

Following a series of in-school workshops, both programmes will culminate in a unique musical experience in Lismore during festival week (29 May – 5 June 2023).

Places are limited for each of the programmes and allocated on a first come, first served basis. To register your school or for more information, please email office@ blackwatervalleyopera.ie or musicgenerationwaterford@wwetb.ie

Photographic) (Photo: DGM Children from local primary schools have been learning music from the opera Orfeo ed Euridice at Lismore Castle, creating costumes, singing on the stage and being shown the magic backstage at the Discover Opera Trail in partnership with Music Generation Waterford and Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Pictured are students from Bunscoil Bothar na Naomh.

(Photo: DGM Photographic) Children from local primary schools have been creating costumes, singing on the stage and being shown the magic backstage at the Discover Opera Trail in Lismore Castle in partnership with Music Generation Waterford and Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.