12:04pm Friday 1st September 2006
OPERA Nova, currently enjoying success in the region with The Magic of Mozart, has always tried to encourage young singers as they will be the means of sustaining classical music in the future.
The ensemble, which comprises semi-professional singers from the Tees Valley, believes that involvement in music can give enormous advantages to young people and help their education by developing teamwork skills and the ability to concentrate.
The group's newest member is Charlotte Wallace, 18, from Hartburn, who is studying music in Egglescliffe School sixth form, along with literature and German.
"I joined Opera Nova because I wanted to widen my repertoire and be part of another singing organisation as I am already a member of Tees Valley Youth Choir," she said. "In my gap year I hope to complete my diplomas in piano, violin and voice. I love to sing and hope to pursue it at music college."
Young singers - and older voices - are invited to join Opera Nova, which has just begun rehearsing The Magic Flute on Tuesday evenings.
This will be performed in a fully-staged and orchestrated production at Middlesbrough Theatre from October 26-28. The show will mark the culmination of the group's celebration this year of Mozart's 250th birth anniversary, which has seen it perform at a number of venues.
Meanwhile, The Magic of Mozart moves to Richmond on September 10 for a performance in St Joseph and St Francis Xavier Church (7.30). It features his best-known arias and choruses from The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Idomeneo and La clemenza di Tito as well as the popular sacred piece Ave Verum Corpus.
"The choruses, sung in English, will be an opportunity to hear Opera Nova perform some of the most beautiful music ever written," said musical director, Stuart Buckton. "Over half of the chorus are also soloists and the total group produces a thrilling sound."
Tickets are £8, with £1 concessions for under-19s, from Richmond tourist office, on the door or ring (01287) 622176. Doors open at 7pm.
Membership details can be obtained from the secretary, Jean Pacey, on the same number or through the website www.operanova.org.uk.
The group, which has been providing classical music across the Tees Valley area for about 40 years, is looking to audiences further afield and exploring the possibilities of making a trip to Europe within the coming 12 months, armed with the CD which it produced this year.
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