A PUPIL from a school in York took to the stage with the English Touring Opera this month.

Sam, a pupil at St Peter's School, played Orgando in the English Touring Opera’s production of Handel’s Amadigi at Hexham Abbey earlier this month. The performance was part of the group's autumn tour, which is visiting towns and cities up and down the UK.

Sam, a chorister at York Minster, responded to the English Touring Opera’s casting call in the summer and was accepted for the role following a virtual audition.

"Performing with the English Touring Opera was a very special experience. The singers were amazing and the orchestra were great. Being in an opera is not something you do every day and I would love to perform in another opera in future", Sam said.

Sam is one of 40 boy and girl choristers who sing regular services at York Minster - and are all educated at St Peter’s.

Mr Falconer, head of St Peter’s 8-13, which Sam attends, said: “This was such an incredible opportunity for Sam and allowed him to sing in a different context from that which he does with the York Minster Choir.”