Opera North Residency East End Park

Having been invited to participate in a local partnership with Opera North, bringing experiences and entertainment to the local community, we are delighted to have both played our part in developments but also brought new and exciting experiences to our student body.

On Thursday 23 June a small but highly professional cast delivered a “Whistle Stop Opera” to our Y8 and Y9 Performing Arts students and cast members. A specially created introduction to ‘The Orpheus Myth’ was performed for a mesmerised audience, enthralled by the skill and variety of the performers. The professional cast from South Asian and Western musical traditions performed a joyful 45 minute exploration of love, music and hope for the future. Our students were a perfect audience and grabbed the opportunity for a rare Q&A session with professional musicians.

With a taste for more, we opened our doors to Opera North, to deliver a Summertime Concert to our local community groups. On Wednesday 13 July, an audience of 40 local residents were treated to an outstanding selection of songs from Gilbert and Sullivan, Cole Porter, Glen Miller, Gershwin and more. With Mount St Mary’s students making and serving tea and homemade scones and Victoria sponge, it was the perfect way to end a hot summers afternoon! It was wonderful to throw open our doors and welcome back some old friends who, due to Covid, have missed our Christmas Party in recent years. We look forward to seeing them again in December.

A huge thankyou to all at Opera North for enabling this event to take place.

M Cooper