PUPILS from Ghyll Royd School in Burley-in-Wharfedale are delighted to have been offered places in the Opera North Children’s Chorus.

Daisy Laxton, aged seven, and Emily Mayrick, aged nine, recently attended the auditions in Leeds and were both awarded places based on their voices and positive attitudes towards singing.

Membership of the ONCC provides children with a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills in singing, reading, music and stagecraft and includes taking part in Opera North’s main stage productions.

Head teacher David Martin said: “I am delighted that the girls’ talents have been recognised.

“Singing is an integral part of the creative arts curriculum at Ghyll Royd, which includes drama, art and music.

“As part of the school’s bespoke Learning Challenge Curriculum the children take part in creative arts on a weekly basis which enable their talents to be identified and nurtured.

“Being a member of the ONCC will develop their skills and also enhance their confidence, benefiting them at school and in the future.”Launched in 2011, the Opera North Children’s Chorus (ONCC) is the only children’s chorus led by a professional opera company in the UK and is fully integrated into the work of the company.

Led by Music Director Justin Doyle (BBC Singers, Northern Sinfonia, and Manchester Camerata) the ONCC comprises of 100 boys and girls aged 7 to 13, from all backgrounds in Leeds.

Expert training and guidance provided through weekly rehearsals, enables the children to develop outstanding musicianship and leads to opportunities to perform to the highest standard.