Create Music, lead organisation for the Sussex music education hub, and Glyndebourne opera house have expanded their educational partnership, One Voice, to enable more children across Sussex to experience and benefit from the joy of singing.
One Voice is a year-round education programme to develop engagement in music and increase standards of singing and vocal confidence skills in schools. The first partnership of its kind between a world-leading opera house and a local music education hub, One Voice gives thousands of local schoolchildren the chance to learn to sing and perform together on stage with the Glyndebourne Chorus and members of its orchestra.
This year, more children than ever will take part benefitting an estimated 5-8,000 children from 92 schools. Over 2,000 will perform live in special festive concerts at venues across Sussex, including De La Warr Pavilion (3 December); Brighton Centre (4 December); Kings Centre, Eastbourne (9 December), and finally Glyndebourne (10-11 December).
Across the year, the Create Music team and singers from the Glyndebourne Chorus will visit schools to rehearse with young people, helping to grow their skills and confidence. One Voice also includes a bespoke programme of supportfor children with special educational needs and disabilities, to ensure pupils from SpecialSchools can take part.
Create Music is part of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and the Music Hub for Sussex and reaches almost 20,000 children across the region through lessons, ensembles, projects, workshops, orchestras and summer schools. Glyndebourne is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world, and its Learning & Engagement programme collaborates with people of all backgrounds to spark a lifelong interest in opera and support talented artists of the future.
The One Voice partnership combines the expertise of both organisations to encourage thousands of children across Sussex to learn to sing and experience the joy of performing, with the aim that for many it will spark a lasting interest in music. One Voice is made possible with additional support from De La Warr Pavilion and Arts Council England.
Stewart Drew, Chair of the Sussex Music Hub, said:
“We’re thrilled to be expanding the One Voice programme this year, bringing the joy of singing to even more children across Sussex. Our continued partnership with Glyndebourne, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, offers an extraordinary opportunity for young people to develop their vocal skills and experience the magic of performance. Together, we’re nurturing a lifelong love of music and helping young voices shine on some of the region’s most iconic stages.”
Lucy Perry, Head of Learning & Engagement at Glyndebourne, commented:
“Glyndebourne is committed to working in partnership with local schools to support singing, as we know the huge benefits that music provides for education and wellbeing. The One Voice programme provides unforgettable experiences for schoolchildren as they sing alongside members of the Glyndebourne Chorus and Glyndebourne Sinfonia. We have seen time and again the impact these encounters can have, igniting new passions and inspiring young people to continue singing.”
The One Voice Festival of Singing takes place in venues across Sussex 3-11 December.
For more information, visit Glyndebourne.com
