Four Eastbourne teens take to the stage at world-famous opera house

Oscar Morgan, 16, Cerys Herbert-Stott, 14, Elena Murdoch, 16, and Isobel McNaughton, 18, are part of the world premiere of a new opera adapted from an award-winning book for young adults called Nothing.

The group are members of Glyndebourne Youth Opera and will sing in the chorus in the new production.

Oscar said, “Until recently I had never been very interested in opera.

“Since I was about 12 I have been very keen on acting and singing and have had a passion for musical theatre. Since being involved with Nothing, a very contemporary opera, I have realised how similar the two are.

“While musical theatre is still my first love, and a career in it will always be my ultimate goal, I would love to take part in many more opera productions in the future.”

Nothing, often described as a modern day Lord of the Flies, was written by Danish author Janne Teller and has been adapted as an opera by composer David Bruce and librettist Glyn Maxwell.

It tells the haunting story of a group of teenagers who are trying to convince their classmate that life has meaning. Things quickly escalate as the children go to ever more extreme lengths to try and persuade their friend that there are things worth caring about.

As well as the young singers on stage, talented young instrumentalists will play in the orchestra pit alongside professional musicians from Southbank Sinfonia conducted by Sian Edwards.

Nothing, co-commissioned and co-produced by Glyndebourne and the Royal Opera House, is the first project to take place in the 30th anniversary year of Glyndebourne’s education department and will build on the organisation’s pioneering work in commissioning and producing participatory opera.

To find out how to join Glyndebourne Youth Opera, visit glyndebourne.com/education

Nothing is performed at Glyndebourne on 25, 26 and 27 February 2016. Visit glyndebourne.com

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