Regional Children’s Chorus

Share the joy of opera with children all over Australia

Opera Australia enables children all across Australia to take the first steps on their own special journeys with opera, through our Regional Children’s Chorus.

During the 2018-19 tour of Madama Butterfly, more than 800 children from across Australia took part in the program, and we’re excited to continue offering this opportunity to children in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and ACT.

 

Community participation and musical excellence

Opera Australia collaborates with local venues and music educators at each step of the process of creating this program. A local choir leader is provided with all the materials and assistance required to train the children beforehand. An Opera Australia Chorus Master travels to each town to rehearse the children into the performance. On the day of the performance, children rehearse onstage with the professional cast and orchestra, then perform in costume that night.

Side by side with some of Opera Australia’s finest singers, the Children's Chorus will feel the magic of taking a curtain call and receiving the instant positive feedback of applause from their family and friends in the audience.

Through the rehearsal and performance process children also gain a wider understanding of opera, which we hope sparks interest in future artistic pursuits.

The Children’s Chorus is a collaborative process that encourages teamwork, focus, participation and confidence as well as a love of music.

At Opera Australia we believe a love for the arts is a lifelong journey which will enrich your life in immeasurable ways. It keeps on giving. The Regional Children’s Chorus is an important part of this journey:

  • Students from Bendigo and Armidale used their new skills and were cast in the children’s ensemble for the main stage production of Tosca at Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne.
  • Bathurst recorded increased numbers in their community choir, from both children involved in the Children’s Chorus and adults who were in the audience.
  • Two of the four winners of the 2019 Regional Vocal Scholarship program have been members of a Regional Children’s Chorus.

Fostering the future of arts education

In the modern world it is becoming increasingly recognised that the skills engendered by a solid arts education are important for success in life and youth development. As part of Australia’s largest performing arts company, Opera Australia is uniquely in the position to be able to fulfil this need.

Thank you

Opera Australia's regional and schools touring program is made possible by generous donations from opera lovers. Opera Australia would like to thank:

Andrew and Tracey Sisson

Contact us

To learn more about our education, access and outreach programs and how you may be able to help, please contact:

Rebecca Oxenbould
Philanthropy Manager
+61 2 9383 8302
rebecca.oxenbould@opera.org.au