A musical group hoping to create mini-operas for pupils across Aberdeen have £2,000 left to raise to ensure their project can go ahead.
Flatpack Opera, which is managed by composer Joe Stollery and librettist Ruth Rose, aims to create an accessible form of opera specifically for young people.
The team behind it are made up of musicians who currently study, or have previously studied, at Aberdeen University’s music department.
Flatpack Opera have been awarded funding from Aberdeen City Council through the 2018 Year of the Young People Creative Fund, but are still £2,040 short in covering production costs.
The shows – of which there are three separately designed performances – are due to be performed in city schools next month.
Ms Rose said: “The main idea behind this project is to make opera more accessible.
“The words and music are specifically designed to be family-oriented with topics that are interesting to children.
“The three operas are much shorter than normal operas at around 10-15 minutes each and the cast for each opera is made up of three singers accompanied by violin and cello.
“I’ve always had a passion for opera and I know that it can sometimes appear daunting, but we’re hoping that these new operas will help change the perspectives of the next generation of opera-goers.”
Mr Stollery added: “I’ve composed four short operas over the past few years, including The Maiden Stone which was performed on the slopes of Bennachie in Aberdeenshire and which involved schoolchildren from five local primary schools.
“I met Ruth when we were working on the Encouraging New Opera project run by Aberdeen University and Scottish Opera and I am looking forward to working with her again on these operas.
“It’s really important that young people get access to something as powerful as opera so creating these short pieces will hopefully be a way into it for people who wouldn’t normally go to hear one.”
Flatpack Opera are fundraising on site Indiegogo, and have offered a number of rewards for potential backers.
The rewards include a copy of their show’s score signed by the creators, a cuddly toy of one of the opera’s stars or, for £500, the previous perks plus a private performance to be held on February 22.
To donate to the project, search Flatpack Opera on Indiegogo.com
