Highgate’s Music and Drama departments presented their first opera collaboration at the end of half term, with a rousing rendition of Dido and Aeneas by Baroque composer Henry Purcell.
This extra-curricular project was performed by Highgate’s Consort choir – an auditioned ensemble for Y11-13 – with an opportunity for Chorale pupils (Y9-13 choir) to audition as well. Using a contemporary High-School setting, pupils presented their production during the final week of half term to pupils and parents.
James Way, Musical Director and Head of Vocal Studies, explains: “It has always been an ambition of mine to give pupils the opportunity to stage something classical, in contrast to the school musical. Baroque music is my first love and the opportunity to introduce this music to the pupils has been wonderful. The pupils have made it their own and have really embraced the challenge of pairing some quite tricky music with fully inhabiting their characters.”
Juliet Fehr, who heads up the Drama department and directed this show, added: “This is the first time I’ve directed an opera, and it has been a real learning curve for me. It has been great to see pupils engage with the High School concept so well and become more and more playful throughout the process. Telling stories through a collaboration of music, dance and drama is something I always love being a part of and I am proud of what we have achieved in just six weeks.”
