(Credit: Johan Persson)

The WNO Youth Opera Groups have joined forces for a unique performance of “I Shall Not Live in Vain” by Ruth Morris Gray that was released online on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020.

The ensemble featured 80 singers between the ages of six through 18, all performing remotely from across South Wales, North Wales, and Birmingham.

Per Suzie Purkis, a vocal leader in Birmingham, rehearsals were conducted over online platforms which could prove challenging because “the children often have to be muted to avoid sound distortion.”

As a result, it was often necessary to set up one-on-one rehearsal times with singers.

Nonetheless, Jenny Pearson, the vocal leader in North Wales, noted that the children adapted well to the digital environment.

“While it’s been hard to miss out on those weekly sessions in person, our online rehearsals have been able to provide a bit of respite from lockdown for everyone. It’s been a great opportunity for us all to come together and to sing together, which is really important,” Pearson told OperaWire.

“The piece of music itself is really poignant as it encourages all of us to be kind to each other, something which is particularly relevant in these strange times,” added Paula Scott, WNO Youth Opera Producer.”

The text for the song comes from an Emily Dickinson poem intended as a message of compassion.