A major grant from the National Lottery ‘Awards for All’ scheme has been awarded to a Community Children’s Opera Project to be undertaken as part of a continuing partnership between Ampleforth College and the North Yorkshire Music Service.

It is anticipated that this large-scale project will involve over 300 children and students from both primary and secondary schools throughout the Ryedale district in a production of Benjamin Britten’s, Noye’s Fludde. The production will take place in the Sports Hall of St Martin’s Ampleforth in Gilling East on 26th, 27th and 28th June under the direction of Mr Andrew Carter, who is Head of English and Director of Arts at the College. Although the grant will cover the majority of the cost of the production, the outstanding costs will be met from the sale of tickets.

Noye’s Fludde provides a wonderful opportunity for a large number of children to be involved either as actor/singers or as members of the orchestra which will also include student players. The piece has three adult roles and plenty of scope for students in the roles of Noah’s three sons and their wives, a small chorus of ‘gossips’ dancers and a plethora of animals. It is anticipated that 100 children, eagerly watched by parents and friends, will be involved at each of the productions. Casting has now taken place and rehearsals will start shortly.

Ian Little, Head of Music at Ampleforth College, said of the project: ‘This is probably the most exciting musical project I have been involved with in a very long time, not least because of the huge instrumental and singing forces required. Bringing everyone together for the performance is going to be quite a feat logistically and it will be no less a feat to weld them into a musical whole. There is much excitement being generated by this project and the young people have picked up on this excitement. I am sure it is going to be a great production!’

Paul de Villanueva of the North Yorkshire Music Service made the following comment: ‘We are all excited about this collaboration: dozens of folk in schools throughout Ryedale are making animal costumes, striking handbells, blowing bugles, scraping strings and breaking into song, to produce a Fludde to remember!’

For further information on the production and availability of tickets, please contact Mrs Pauline Charnock at Ampleforth College, tel (01439) 766890 or email pc@ampleforth.org.uk