UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 31 OCTOBER
Several students and graduates have been recognised through their involvement with the Welsh National Opera on Opera Tutti, an immersive multi-sensory concert designed for children and young people aged 5-19 years with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
The concert aims to take young people on a musical journey through the seasons of the year via some of the most popular songs in opera. A variety of multi-sensory props and costumes accompany the music to stimulate and support the children’s engagement.
Opera Tutti has toured schools working specifically with young people with PMLD and has also been adapted for a wider Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) audience. This has resulted in the opera being shortlisted for the Excellence in SEND Award at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2025.
Welsh National Opera contacted RBC looking for performers, giving students the opportunity to bring opera to those who may not have had access to larger music events. Many students and alumni got involved, including PhD Music and Performing Arts students Samuel Harrison-Oram and Paloma Trigas Payne; Samuel sang Baritone roles while Paloma performed on the violin.
Samuel reflected: “Knowing that my work has positively impacted the lives of children who wouldn’t usually be able to experience the magic of classical music has changed my outlook forever.”
The winners of the Music and Drama Education Awards 2025 will be announced in a live ceremony at London’s Royal National Hotel on Thursday 30 January 2025.