Leonard Leese helps fund Lambeth primary school WW2 opera
Here at Leonard Leese we’re delighted to announce that we’ve given funding to Reay Primary school, to help them produce a fantastic local new opera named ‘Edenbridge’.
Set during World War Two, the opera tells the story of the evacuation of children from Lambeth to the countryside. Sixty pupils from Reay Primary, along with pupils from Oasis Academy and Vauxhall primary school, have collaborated with local adults and national opera company English Touring Opera (ETO); to create the production.
It’s the second time the school has worked with the company after last year’s successful staging of ‘Laika in Lambeth’, about the first dog in space. Taking place this Friday, the 13th of June at Lambeth Town Hall, the opera lasts around an hour; and sees the children’s journey from Waterloo to the town of Edenbridge in Kent. The children are housed by Lady Alice at Hever Castle, interestingly once the home of Anne Boleyn in real life! The castle is haunted, with many strange servants – and there’s even a talking goose for good measure. The creative team contains a wealth of talent, from professional opera singer Susan Moore, to cellist Rebecca Hewes. There are also orchestral musicians from the Royal Academy of Music. Leonard Leese are proud that they are supporting such a worthy project in the heart of Oval. Reay Primary School’s mission is to breakdown the perception that the arts are only for ‘wealthy’ and ‘middle class’ pupils, by using productions such as Edenbridge to inspire and engage the community. Reay Primary School intends to break down these barriers, and to inspire its students, by engaging with schools and local community in this ambitious production.
Mark Leese, director of Leonard Leese said:
We are delighted to support this wonderful project. The whole process of ‘Edenbridge’ provides such a great cultural contribution to our local community and the young people of Lambeth.