University News Last updated 11 June
Commuters at Birmingham New Street Station were treated to an operatic surprise as a fairytale flashmob from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) and Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) brought the station concourse to life.
On Friday 5 June, a host of beloved fairytale characters – from Little Red Riding Hood to Jack and his beanstalk – appeared among passengers to perform excerpts from RBC’s summer opera, Into the Woods.
RBC vocal and acting students, joined by a 15-piece Conservatoire orchestra and students from BOA, delighted travellers with a performance of the prologue from Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical.
“This moment celebrates the fourth year of our opera outreach programme, working with communities, young people and RBC students to bring opera to diverse audiences,” said Richard Shrewsbury, Head of Learning and Participation at RBC.
“We’ve been so impressed by the talent and devotion of BOA students and their teachers in bringing this complex creative piece to life.
“We are developing talent for tomorrow in our city, and where more iconic to show that off than in Birmingham’s New Street station!”
The performance was led by former Artistic Director of the National Youth Music Theatre, Chris Cuming, with musical direction from composer Kelvin Towse.
“We’re proud to collaborate with RBC and BCU on this vibrant flash mob, giving our students meaningful and exciting encounters with higher education and industry practitioners,” said BOA Principal Alistair Chattaway.
“Experiences like this nurture creativity, confidence, and ambition, showing the power of collaboration and inspiring young people to see themselves as future artists and future leaders.”
The flashmob was made possible through the Opera Outreach programme, funded by the Linbury Trust, which aims to reach thousands of people in Birmingham over the next three years.