Verdi - lucky students star in opera

By Kerry Ann Eustice

FROM the school show of The Sound of Music to a stage production of Nabucco, two students and a teacher from a Bexleyheath school will be taking on new roles and joining the Kentish Opera for a six-show run of Verdi's classic in Bromley.

Charlotte Willmot and Louise Thomas of Townley Grammar School for Girls in Bexleyheath and assistant headteacher/freelance opera singer Andrew Perry have secured roles in the biblical epic at The Churchill theatre.

Both girls - who wish to pursue singing careers - benefit from the school's link to the Kentish Opera, allowing Townley to offer scholarships and opportunities to perform with professionals. The school hopes to further expand the scheme in the future.

Verdi's Nabucco explores jealousy, revenge and destruction during the reign of Babylon's ruler Nebuchadnezzar who, in 586 BC, destroyed the Temple of King Solomon in Jerusalem. Highlights from the score include the much-loved Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.

Andrew said: "Apart from being a fantastic project in its own right, working at professional level, the educational philosophy of young and old meeting together as equals to create art is one which I have always believed in and one which produces high quality results for all concerned."

Charlotte said: "The experience is fantastic and being conducted by Mark Fitzgerald, a well-known conductor, is inspirational."

Louise added: "I'm so glad this scheme exists. I can't wait for the show. It's a great atmosphere in rehearsals but hard work."

Kentish Opera presents Nabucco, April 17 to 21. Churchill Theatre, Bromley. Call 0870 060 6620.