Opera Australia has announced it is returning to schools across NSW in 2021, with the relaunch of its NSW Schools Tour that will present The Barber of Seville to over 100 primary schools from 15 March to 10 September.
Providing a fantastic opportunity to engage kids with music, the 2021 NSW Schools Tour is available for bookings by primary schools across the state. Proven to deliver vast benefits for children, learning music can increase students’ self-confidence, self-discipline and team work skills (1).
Cancelled after only three weeks of touring last year due to COVID-19, Opera Australia is happy to be able to re-mount the program and bring the magic of opera to more than 35,000 children in regional and metropolitan areas in NSW.
“After the disappointment of cancelling the 2020 tour, it’s great we can start touring next week and get back to introducing Australian kids to opera in this fun way,” said OA’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini.
The Barber of Seville is a favourite opera for kids and this 60 minute-long production was specifically created to appeal to all ages. Featuring a cast of four opera singers and a flexible set design, schools can host the opera in their gymnasium, hall or even a classroom.
Teachers who book the tour will receive curriculum-focused resource materials. Learning objectives include playing instruments and musical expression, with pre-performance and post-show activities designed to enhance the children’s experience of opera.
Since 2000, Opera Australia has taken opera to more than 800,000 NSW school students and is committed to continue to bring opera to young audiences across Australia.
This 2021 Schools Tour will operate within a COVID-safe environment, making the health and wellbeing of students, teachers, parents and the artists the number one priority.
For more information about The Barber of Seville and to book a performance, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: The Barber of Seville – courtesy of Opera Australia
Note: (1) Music Australia: Music Education