BIZET’S opera Carmen is noted for its tuneful arias and powerful choruses and York Opera have the resources to cope with its musical demands – except for one! The composer scored in a chorus of children in Acts I and IV.

Fortunately for York Opera, they have a link to a York school in chorus member Jane Woolgar, who teaches music at Knavesmire Primary School. Several of her pupils were extremely keen to take part in Carmen next week and have been rehearsing their sections with great enthusiasm.

York Opera's Carmen runs at York Theatre Royal from October 23 to 27, excluding October 25. Performances start at 7.15pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 4pm on Saturday; tickets are on sale on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.