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.
Would you like your school to get involved with Garsington Opera?
The OperaFirst Secondary and Primary projects are predominantly offered to state schools closest to Garsington Opera, HP14 3YG, 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 Secondary
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 with a professional Director, Composer and Singer 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.
Falstaff
Giuseppe Verdi
Sir John Falstaff sets out to make his fortune by courting two wealthy married women, only to become the butt of their ingenious revenge. (Or only to find himself outwitted at every turn)
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.
Falstaff OperaFirst takes place on Tuesday 13 July 2027 in the late afternoon/early evening, finishing by c.9pm.
OperaFirst Primary
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!
Serse
George Frideric Handel
With mistaken identities, mixed-up romances and plenty of rivalry, will King Serse win Romilda’s heart?
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.
Serse OperaFirst takes place on Thursday 8 July 2027 during the school day.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project, please contact learning@garsingtonopera.org.
