YOUNG musicians looking to perfect their skills are being given the opportunity to spend a week of their summer holidays playing with some of the region’s finest performers.

Opera North will hold its first ever Orchestra Camp in partnership with the School of Music at the University of Leeds.

The camp will run at the School of Music from August 22 to 26 for children aged 10 and above who already play an orchestral instrument.

String players can be at any grade, while woodwind and brass players should be studying at grade 3 or above. Three of the days will also be suitable for percussionists.

During the week, the young people will take part in instrumental activities, singing sessions, and drama and movement workshops, exploring all aspects of musicianship in an inspiring and stimulating way.

Participants will also rehearse with members from the Orchestra of Opera North before playing with the full orchestra at the end of the week in a performance at Leeds Beckett University.

Dr Karen Burland, head of the School of Music at the University of Leeds, said pupils attending the Orchestra Camp would be potentially the musicians of the future.

She said: “Some of our own students will be actively involved and will experience at first hand the pleasure – and challenges - engaging younger players with music can bring.”

The theme of the Orchestra Camp has been inspired by Billy Budd, one of Opera North’s autumn season productions.

Britten’s opera is set on board a battleship and tells the poignant story of the persecution of an innocent sailor by his superiors.

Billy’s fate will be explored throughout the week and will be reflected in the concert repertoire which features sea shanties and other pieces with a nautical flavour.

Visit operanorth.co.uk/opera-north-orchestra-camp or on 0113 2233520 for further information and bookings.