(Credit: James Bellorini Photography)

Over 1,000 students appeared in the largest staging of Bizet’s “Carmen” in the United Kingdom. The showcase, which took place on June 26, 2019, brought together 35 schools nationwide at the Copper Box Arena in London’s Olympic Park.

The performance was staged and directed by the English Pocket Opera and featured four professional singers and a 14-piece orchestra.

Per a press release, this event was the culmination of six months of preparation led by the Royal Opera House’s Create and Sing program, United Learning, English Pocket Opera, and The Voices Foundation.

“All of the pupils gave a superb performance in which their new-found love of opera really shone through.  The sound of our massed chorus of pupils singing together was mesmerizing and was a true celebration of music,” said Catherine Barker, the Head of Music and Performing Arts at United Learning. “The partnership between the Royal Opera House, The Voices Foundation and the English Pocket Opera Company has provided support, expertise and resources for teachers and pupils up and down the country. We are thrilled that we have been able to give our pupils the very best musical learning opportunities and planting the seeds for a lifelong love of opera and musical performance.”