1,500 children to try taste of opera; 08 Days A Week.

Byline: By CATHERINE JONES Culture Reporter

MORE than 1,500 Liverpool school children will enjoy a free operatic treat for Capital of Culture.

Schools have signed up to a new scheme by the Welsh National Opera (WNO), for pupils to see the Barber of Seville.

Children will also have the chance to take part in work shops with opera singers in the fortnight before the October performance.

The WNO's autumn season at the Empire also features a new production of Verdi's Otello and the return of Janacek's Jenufa.

Rhian Hutchings, director of WNOMAX, said: "It is fantastic to be able to offer this completely free performance to schools in Liverpool, specially in the year the city is Capital of Culture.

"We know the schools will enjoy the spectacle and humour of this production, and it is a great chance for them to get to know WNO."

Opera officials say they have been over whelmed with the response to the offer, the first time the company has organised a free performance for schoolchildren.

So far 21 schools, to talling more than 1,000 pupils, have signed up to the scheme.

But there are still around 500 free seats available, as well as six workshop places.

The matinee on October 23will give youngsters a chance to see one of the world's most popular comic operas.

It tells the story of a mischievous town barber Figaro, who sets out to assist a love-smitten count win Rosina's heart.

But the count has a love rival, Rosina's crusty old guardian Bartolo, who Figaro must outwit to enable the lovers towed.

Workshops will allow youngsters to explore the musical and dramatic themes from the piece before watching the performance.

For more information on this performance and the workshops, schools should contact Paula Scott on 029 2063 5116.

For more details on the performance dates and times for the WNO's visit to Liverpool, call the Empire on 0844 847 2525.

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CAPTION(S):

LOVE RIVAL: Bartolo wants to win the hand of Rosina