Kids Go Classical: A joyful celebration of music, confidence, and community
There are moments in arts education that remind us exactly why this work matters.
Kids Go Classical! – a recent concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, led by Oxford Opera Company – was one of those moments.
Described as “joyful, life-affirming and magical”, the concert brought together 148 local children aged 8–16, performing opera classics with a confidence, energy and emotional depth that left the audience both cheering and in tears.
At a time when the world can feel uncertain, this was something different: a powerful reminder of what young people are capable of when given the opportunity.
This wasn’t just a performance – it was the culmination of weeks of work in schools, where Oxford Opera Company introduced pupils to opera and supported them in preparing for the concert.
For many of these children, this would have been their first experience of singing in a venue as iconic as the Sheldonian. To stand on that stage, accompanied by a professional orchestra, performing music by composers such as Mozart, Verdi and Bizet – that is something that stays with a child for life.
And it showed.
Their voices “soaring to the rafters”, their faces full of focus and pride, these young performers demonstrated not only musical ability, but courage, teamwork and joy.
The impact of opportunities like this extends far beyond the performance itself.
We were deeply touched to receive messages from parents and audience members after the concert:
“My daughter took part in the Kids Go Classical initiative… to get the chance to learn a different type of singing, in different languages, was wonderful for her. And to sing along with a big live orchestra in a setting as beautiful as the Sheldonian is such an amazing opportunity… We were really impressed with what they all achieved. Thank you!”
Katy, Parent (Bladon Primary School)
“My daughter Sadie… has benefitted hugely from all the amazing opportunities Cotswold Arts Through Schools has offered… It’s wonderful that our kids get these creative opportunities.”
“It was a magical evening… the venue, the orchestra and the children. Incredible!”
Sarah, Parent
“Again, thank you for the joyful, memorable experience of the Kids Go Classical excellent concert.”
Audience member
“Wow! Wow! Wow! What an exciting and brilliant performance… You certainly have produced a legacy for Oxfordshire.”
Audience member
Together, these reflections capture something powerful: this wasn’t just a concert – it was an experience that inspired pride, joy and a lasting sense of possibility.
Working together to make it happen
Programmes like Kids Go Classical! don’t happen by accident. They are the result of collaboration, commitment and belief.
Oxford Opera Company, alongside the Oxford Chamber Orchestra and their Youth Company, created the structure, guidance and inspiration for the children to shine. From in-school workshops to the final performance, it was – as one reviewer described – “an enormous labour of love”.
At Cotswolds Arts Through Schools (CATS), we were proud to support this project, helping to fund elements that made it possible for children to take part.
Because this is what we believe in:
that every child, regardless of background, should have access to high-quality arts experiences.
Looking ahead
We’re incredibly grateful to Oxford Opera Company for their partnership and for the care and ambition they bring to their work with young people.
Kids Go Classical! is a brilliant example of what can happen when schools, artists and organisations come together with a shared purpose.
And it’s exactly the kind of opportunity we want to keep creating.
