Highland pupils perform with Scottish Opera

Sixty pupils from Gairloch High School and associated primary schools have rehearsed and performed with Scottish Opera in an opera based on Robert Burns iconic poem The Tam O’Shanter.

The pupils spent last week participating in workshops with artists from the company to gain a better knowledge of the work of Scotland’s most famous poet before performing Tale o’ Tam for parents and friends on Friday afternoon.

Pupils donned full costume to play the parts of the witches in the production, alongside artists Craig Miller and Frances Thorburn. 

The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer Norman Bolton said:  “The experience of working with professional performers is an unforgettable one and to witness the progress made by pupils in such a short space of time is a credit to their commitment, the professionalism of the Scottish Opera team and the ongoing work of music staff in our schools.”

Headteacher of Gairloch High School John Port said:  “We were thrilled that Scottish Opera professionals would be working with our pupils.  All the pupils involved from S1 and P7 worked well and put on a show that was enjoyed by many in the community.”

Tale o’ Tam was first performed in 2001 after being commissioned by the then Scottish Executive as part of an initiative to reintroduce young people to the works of Robert Burns and has been revived with the support of Homecoming Scotland 2009

Tale o’ Tam is a fast-paced adventure with music by Karen MacIver – who also wrote music for Scottish Opera’s popular opera for kids Auntie Janet Saves the Planet - and original lyrics by Ross Stenhouse.

 It will also tour to schools in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.