On Saturday 2nd March, singers and instrumentalists from state and independent schools in Dorset came together with professional musicians and soloists to perform Mozart’s Idomeneo in Sherborne Abbey.
The performance was organised by Jon Valender with funding Dorset Council and The People’s Postcode Lottery, and with the advice and support of other local charities (The Arts Development Company, What’s Next? Dorset, and Changemakers) and members of the local community.
The performance was conducted by Andrew Griffiths who is Head Coach & Music Consultant at the National Opera Studio. The title role of Idomeneo was played by Jon Valender. Students performing came from these schools:
- The Gryphon School
- Leweston School
- Monkton Combe Senior School
- Perrott Hill
- The Bournemouth School
- Thomas Hardye School
Jon has launched an education charity called ‘Destination Opera‘ with the aim of bringing the experience of opera to more young people. To find out more, and to support Jon’s work, visit https://www.destinationopera.co.uk/.