A search has been launched for budding young singing stars in Gwynedd to join a new youth opera group and open the doors to success.

Welsh National Opera (WNO) is hoping to inspire the next generation of budding opera stars across north Wales by launching a youth group for talented singers aged 14-18 who are interested in trying opera.

WNO’s current Youth Opera group, for ages eight to 14, meets every Wednesday at Venue Cymru and has 22 young members.

With many of the existing members hitting their teens, WNO decided to establish a second group in north Wales for 14-18-year-olds from September with the ambition of attracting some new faces.

The group is open to any young person who loves singing, acting or performing.

Importantly, no prior experience of opera is necessary and bursaries are also available to help with travel costs.

Members develop their voices under the expert guidance of Musical Director Jenny Pearson who takes them through vocal warm-ups and works on breath control and how to utilise the whole range of their voice, while opera director Patrick Young puts all their skills into practice with appropriately-pitched operatic songs.

WNO regularly issues call outs for child opera stars for its productions and members are always encouraged to audition.

Morgana Warren-Jones, WNO’s youth and community project manager for north Wales, said: “There is no other group like this in North Wales introducing opera to such a young age range. If they really enjoy it then they can start working on those skills early on and that will help enormously in the future.

“We regularly give them performance opportunities and tickets to watch professional operas where they can go back stage and meet cast members.”

Are you interested in joining WNO’s youth opera groups, including the new 14-18 group? Contact Morgana Warren-Jones [email protected] or call 01492 556681.