CSR: Opera North, Alzheimer’s Society, Grimethorpe Activity Zone

A MATINEE performance of Donizetti’s comic opera L’elisir d’amore is being put on for local schoolchildren by Opera North.

The organisation is organising the performance at the Grand Theatre on 23 February for children who may not otherwise get the chance to experience live opera.

Sung in Italian, L’elisir d’amore is the tale of the ineffectual but well-meaning Nemorino and his love for the confident and self-assured Adina.

Opera North Education Director, Jacqui Cameron, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this performance of L’elisir d’amore in the Leeds Grand Theatre for so many teachers and young people, many of whom will be experiencing live opera for the very first time.

“At our previous schools matinee, it was fascinating to watch the children’s responses as they were far less inhibited than the adults – booing the villains, cheering the heroes and giggling at the romantic parts. The cast really enjoyed having such a receptive audience and it certainly gave the whole event a very special atmosphere.

‘This performance, along with our other education and outreach activities, is part of our on-going commitment to developing relationships with, and musical opportunities for, as many children and local communities as possible.’

Sponsored by Hammerson, the developer behind the Victoria Gate development and owner of the Victoria Quarter, it offers the chance for 700 children from schools across Yorkshire to attend the performance for just £5.

James Bailey, General Manager at Victoria Quarter, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Opera North for this special performance as it plays such an important role in inspiring communities and younger people to get involved and learn more about opera in Leeds and beyond. It is community events such as this that we are keen to support as it reflects our own commitment to supporting the growth of Leeds as a cultural and vibrant city.”

With the help of £10,000 from the Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund, Opera North has also been running workshops in two primary and two secondary schools to encourage pupils to engage more creatively with opera.

***
MOTOR group JCT600 has got its 2,300 colleagues to raise £62,260 during 2015 for Alzheimer’s Society.

This is the largest sum raised since the company launched its annual support of a single charity three years ago.

As well as annual company-wide events such as JCT600’s Three Peaks Walk, the cycling challenge and the pub quiz, 2015 also saw the JCT600 Bake Off, its Easter prize draw and a team entered into the Great North Run, adding to the fundraising total.

“The JCT600 team has once again taken our fundraising efforts to a whole new level,” said John Tordoff, chief executive of JCT600. “To have raised over £62,000 for Alzheimer’s Society is an achievement to be proud of.”

JCT600 recently announced that it has become a patron of The Prince’s Trust and will support the charity over the next four years.

Hannah Wright, senior regional corporate partnership executive North for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “The sum raised by the company has exceeded all expectations, and this support will help us move closer to new treatments and one day, a cure for dementia, giving hope to those who develop the condition in future.”

Alzheimer’s Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.

***

THERE will be more jobs for young people in Barnsley thanks to funding from Grimethorpe Activity Zone.

Esh Group has contributed £1,000 to help fund training for young people across the town.

GAZ works with eight to 25-year-olds in Barnsley provides alternative education to young people struggling in school, and gives them a chance to develop skills for future careers.

David Taylor, GAZ manager said: “On behalf of GAZ I would like to say a big thank you to the Esh Charitable Trust for the funding they have given us. It will have a huge impact on the services we provide for the young people of our community.”

Andy Gawthorpe, regional managing director of Esh in Yorkshire said: “GAZ does some great work helping young people into work, and we hope our funding helps to inspire some of them into a career in construction. We operate across Yorkshire and fund a wide range of initiatives to help bridge the skills gap in construction.”