OperaFirst
Our OperaFirst projects are open to both Primary and Secondary schools, and aim to introduce the world of opera through an in-school workshop and performance at Garsington Opera. These projects give the opportunity for a new generation of young people to learn about and to help demystify the wonderful world of opera.
OperaFirst: Secondary Schools
Our 2025 workshops are now full. Express an interest to get involved in 2026!
What to expect
OperaFirst gives an exceptional opportunity to a new generation of young people to study musical and dramatic themes of an opera through an in-school workshop before experiencing a full-scale performance at Wormsley. Ordinarily this is a schools’ performance, specially put on to offer our young understudy cast the valuable opportunity to perform with orchestra to a warm and enthusiastic audience. We are passionate about introducing young people to the wonderful and varied genre of opera and our teams enjoy collaborating and exchanging ideas with pupils on arts projects that wouldn’t ordinarily happen in their school.
L’elisir d’amore
What do you get when you put together a young man in love, an army officer, a rich and beautiful woman, a less-than-honest “doctor”, and a magic potion? The Italian opera version of a rom-com!
We can’t stop wondering: will Adina and Nemorino get together, or will Sergeant Belcore win her hand? Will Dr. Dulcamara’s love potion even work?! Join us for this OperaFirst performance to find out!
Format
A director is joined by a composer and a professional singer to deliver intensive one-day workshops using the successful ‘Create an Opera’ workshop format. Starting with warm-ups and team building activities, the whole group then explores the music and story, devising their own music, words and movements.
L’elisir d’amore OperaFirst takes place on Thursday 17 July 2025 in the late afternoon/early evening, finishing by c.9pm.
Would you like your school to get involved with Garsington Opera?
The OperaFirst Secondary project is predominantly offered to state schools closest to Garsington Opera, HP14 3YP, but we can accommodate schools up to approximately 25 miles away depending on demand. If your school is further away please contact us to see if it would be possible to take part.
OperaFirst: Primary
Our 2025 workshops are now full. Express an interest to get involved in 2026!
What to expect
We are continuing to offer our bespoke Primary OperaFirst performance, including a 1-hour interactive performance at Wormsley guided by a presenter, after its successful launch in 2023. The children sing songs that they have learnt in their workshop as a massed chorus and watch scenes from the opera. The presenter narrates the show, inviting students to join in sections with the singers, explore the orchestra, and get an insight into what is happening backstage. It is a fun and interactive experience and wonderful trip to the opera!
Rodelinda
A story of stolen thrones, a love that outlasts death, and wrongs righted, await us in one of Handel’s greatest operas!
Format
A director is joined by a composer and a professional singer to deliver intensive one-day workshops using the successful ‘Create an Opera’ workshop format. Starting with warm-ups and team building activities, the whole group then explores the music and story, devising their own music, words and movements.
Rodelinda OperaFirst takes place on Tuesday 8 July 2025 during the school day.
Would you like your school to get involved with Garsington Opera?
The OperaFirst Secondary project is predominantly offered to state schools closest to Garsington Opera, HP14 3YP, but we can accommodate schools up to approximately 25 miles away depending on demand. If your school is further away please contact us to see if it would be possible to take part.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project, please contact learning@garsingtonopera.org.
