Grange Park Opera

2019 Primary Robins Autumn term report

It has been another wonderful term for the Primary Robins. At the beginning of this academic year we started the project in three new schools, there have been lots of singing assemblies and over 1000 singing lessons have been given.

One of the highlights of the term was a fabulous concert at Guildford Cathedral. On 24th October at 10am, sixty children from Year 4 at Ottershaw Junior school arrived at Guildford Cathedral. They got off the coach and, as they entered the magnificent building, there was an audible intake of breath. The children put their bags and coats in the Regimental side chapel and then, having been arranged in height order, were positioned in the nave. After a short rehearsal the audience began to arrive and it was time for the Coffee Concert to start.

A Spoonful of Sugar from Mary Poppins opened the programme and the children’s enthusiasm and lovely voices filled the Cathedral. The mood then changed as they performed Danny Boy in a very moving rendition, with soaring top notes and beautiful legato singing through the long phrases. The children then wowed us with their near perfect French and entertaining actions in Alouette.

The mezzo soprano Rosie Clifford sang some arias as part of the concert and in Cruda Sorte from Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri, when she was singing some particularly high and florid coloratura, the children’s faces were a picture of awe.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a firm favourite in many of the schools and Ottershaw raised the roof with this very wordy song which they sang with fantastic, clear diction. They finished with Yellow Submarine and, in the instrumental section, the audience were treated to the best silent rock band ever.

It was a terrific concert and a wonderful experience for the Primary Robins to perform in such a spectacular venue.

Some comments from the children;

“My favourite song is ‘My Favourite things’ I loved performing at Guildford Cathedral so much. I was so excited!”
Maisie, Yr 4

“I really liked singing at Guildford Cathedral. While I was singing I felt so proud of myself because all of us singing sounded really nice.”
Sam, Yr 4

“I really enjoyed my time at Guildford Cathedral. I felt happy performing in front of people. My favourite song is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because it is a family favourite.”
Elias, Yr 4

In December, the Primary Robins start singing from a Christmas songbook and I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas has turned out to be the hit of the season with all year groups. They have also really enjoyed singing the traditional carol Deck the Halls and to hear their enthusiastic fa la la la la brings a great deal of Christmas joy.

Looking ahead to next year, I would like to arrange more orchestral workshops, there will be the summer Primary Robins concert at The Theatre in the Woods and hopefully a few robins will sing in La Boheme.

Thank you for your generous support that enables us to bring music and singing into the lives of over 2000 children.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas.

Annabel Larard – Project Leader