Avian arias in Lynn opera

A sparrow, a nightingale and some peacocks all feature in an uplifting new youth opera that will premiere in King’s Lynn this month.

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Created by Bob Chilcott, one of the best-known names in choral music, Birdland tells the story of Pip the sparrow’s quest to be accepted into the prestigious Dawn Chorus, during which the little bird meets characters such as the Doc Rock Peacocks, and the troubled residents of The Bewilderness. ​

​With the help of two friendly owls, Pip is introduced to Shamira the Golden Nightingale and discovers the importance of finding your own path and singing your own song.

Performed by the 50-strong Cantabene choir at Springwood High School, the opera will take place in the school’s Peter Hopkins Hall at 6pm on Wednesday 18 October. Entry is free, with those attending invited to make a donation to the music department.

“Birdland was commissioned jointly by Oxford Education Authority and Norfolk Music Hub, who then approached us to ask if we would give their premiere,” said Robin Norman, Head of Music at Springwood, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust where he is also Director of Music. 

“Unfortunately the pandemic put the whole project on hold, but we are pleased to be able to bring the story of Pip to life in our production. We are presenting this in association with Norfolk Music Hub and Norfolk Young Arts.”

Among the young talents taking part are Chantelle Verdad, playing Pip, and Logan Petterson-Cooper, who takes the role of the Doc Rock Peacocks. Other Springwood students are involved with sound and lighting, while many of the school’s musicians are playing with the accompanying orchestra.

The project is being overseen by Springwood music teacher Samantha Ashby, who is the conductor of Cantabene.

“Springwood has a rich history as a place of music, but it is important that we give our students the opportunities in all areas of music performance,” continued Mr Norman. “That is why something such as Birdland is important. School students would rarely get the opportunity to perform an opera – an art form that is often misunderstood as being too ‘high-brow’ – and so we need to give them this opportunity.”

“This is the first time the school has staged an opera, but we do undertake major performances throughout the year,” he added. 

“We are now deep in rehearsal for our version of Disney’s The Beauty and the Beast that we will perform in February. This is the first time Springwood has presented a musical since before the pandemic and, alongside Birdland, we are incredibly excited.

“We expect Birdland to be popular with choral music fans because of the Bob Chilcott connection, but also for our regular audience members. We would very much like to invite the public to attend.”

Tickets for Birdland are available on the night or can be reserved in advance at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/springwood-high-school-music-department

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