Glasgow school pupils are being given the chance to shine on stage as part of a national opera tour.
Scottish Opera’s Primary Schools Tour, running through the Spring and Summer terms, visits schools all over Scotland, including multiple schools in Glasgow.
It gives children in P5 to P7 the opportunity to participate in a day-long musical theatre experience.
They will work with professional teaching artists to stage and perform a 30-minute show.
This year’s production is The Dragon of the Western Sea, which tells the story of the exciting voyages of 14th-century Chinese commander, Admiral Zheng He, who set sail with his vast fleet and 28,000 crew, from China to Indonesia, India, Arabia and the grasslands of Africa in search of trade, treaties and treasure.
Written by Alan Penman with words by Ross Stenhouse, the opera last toured schools in 2018.
Jane Davidson, Scottish Opera’s director of education and outreach, said: “With The Dragon of the Western Sea, the composer and librettist were inspired by this real-life story to create a dramatic tale of adventure on the high seas.
“The plot gives us a wonderful opportunity to introduce Scottish primary pupils to a different perspective on the age of discovery.
“Admiral He predated the journeys made by European explorers by many years.
“Using a blend of musical styles as well as key words and phrases from China, Africa and India, the opera provides a fascinating snapshot of the history and customs of other cultures in an appealing and accessible way.”
The programme helps teachers deliver aspects of A Curriculum for Excellence and offers different models of delivery.
In-person visits include access to props, costumes, and direct support from Scottish Opera’s teaching artists.
A digital version is also available, enabling teachers to deliver the production independently in the classroom, with online resources.
The online materials include a teachers’ support pack and classroom-friendly video content.
This includes Scottish Opera singers appearing on screen in classrooms to sing alongside the class, particularly in those schools without specialist music teachers at primary level.
Scottish Opera has developed the digital strand to reach more schools, recognising that the in-person tour reaches capacity very quickly each year.
The digital model also reduces the cost per pupil, making it a more affordable option for schools.
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Supported by The David and June Gordon Memorial Trust, The Pear Tree Fund for Music, The W M Mann Foundation, and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels, the tour is part of a broader digital offering.
Other titles in the programme include The Curse of MacCabbra Opera House, How The Dragon Was Made, Vikings! The Quest for the Dragon’s Treasure, and The Tale o’ Tam o’ Shanter.
More details about the primary schools tour are available via the Scottish Opera website.