Scottish Opera have announced plans to collaborate with the Scottish Book Trust on a project for primary school pupils called Arts Alive. A new pilot programme for schools which will be delivered by Scottish Book Trust in 2021 involves all of Scotland's National Performing Companies – Scottish Ballet, National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Scottish Opera’s offering to project is titled ‘Creating A Song Cycle.’ The selected schools choose a theme and the pupils, with support from Scottish Opera practitioners, will create five songs across ten sessions. The outcome will be a set of songs – a song cycle – that will be performed and recorded. School pupils will have the excellent opportunity to work with a team of creative practitioners including composer Alan Penman and singer Andy McTaggart.
Scottish Opera’s Director of Outreach and Education Jane Davidson said:
‘We are delighted to be a part of the Scottish Book Trust’s Arts Alive programme. The project will encourage young singers and songwriters to create, perform and record a set of their very own songs to reflect on issues that are important to them, their school and their community.’
The project is planned for March – May 2021. You can find more information about the work of the Scottish Book Trust and their Arts Alive initiative on their website.