A group of Duchy Opera soloists and singers visited Bude Junior School last week as part of their unique outreach scheme known as The 'Duchy Opera School Run', designed to introduce primary school-age children aged seven to nine years to the medium of opera and ensemble singing.

The pupils were given a brief but fun introduction to classical and opera singing involving singing, clapping and movement, using specially written child-friendly pieces composed by Duchy's Musical Director Paul Drayton with lyrics by chorus member Keith Sparrow. "The idea is to stimulate the children's musical awareness by introducing them to a style of singing they may not have had much exposure to, and to have some fun while we do it!" said Keith.

"We have a small group made up from a few of Duchy's great soloists and it's a real treat hearing them sing nonsense songs! In fact, it's just as enjoyable for us as it is for the children, and if it plants a seed in one or two young minds then all the better. Maybe we can help to inspire a budding Pavarotti or a fledgling Maria Callas." The 'Duchy Opera School Run' involves a small team of singers accompanied on piano by Paul Drayton. Keith is also directing a brand-new version for Duchy Opera of Franz Lehar's wonderful operetta, The Merry Widow which appeared at the Town Hall, Callington last Friday, and the Parkhouse Centre in Bude last Saturday.