SATURDAY night tv shows may currently be dominated by talent shows where young people dream of being the next big thing on the popular music scene, but Opera Worcester’s latest production is featuring its own potential stars of the future.

Four young Worcestershire singers will sing leading roles in Opera Worcester’s next production of The Marriage of Figaro.

Aaron Prewer-Jenkinson, 23, a former chorister at Worcester Cathedral and pupil of Kings School sings the title role of ‘ Figaro’.

Michael Burgess, 17, also a former chorister at the Cathedral and a current pupil at Kings will sing Don Basilio, while current music scholar at Kings School Amy Heptinstall, 16, will sing the cameo role of Young Girl 2.

A fourth impressive Worcestershire-based singer, Laurie Standish Hayes, aged 21, will sing the role of Don Curzio.

Despite their youth, all four singers have already clocked up extensive experience.

Aaron currently works professionally as a musician and is also an accomplished saxophonist, while Michael has both acted and sung in numerous productions locally.

So too have Laurie and Amy, both of whom hope to eventually study opera at conservatoire level.

Musical Director Sue Black, herself an accomplished professional soprano, is pleased that the company has attracted these aspiring young singers.

She said: “It is fantastic to see these young people not only embracing this fantastic art form of opera, but also studying good classical technique to ensure they can tackle this vocally demanding repertoire.”

Director Andrew Rawle is also delighted to be working with such new talent.

He said: "To have such a number of new young members is wonderful, not only because they are performing with us, but because they are also discovering the power of opera, and that gives me hope for the future of live music.

"To have younger members of the cast, especially with classic opera, can be something of as a risk, but they have brought not just beautiful singing, but a boost of energy to the whole company.

"It is our responsibility to never allow opera to become boring or stale and when you have a cast with such excellent young talent, that’s impossible."

Kings School is one of the sponsors for the production.

Suzanne Nevitt, assistant registrar and marketing administrator said: “This is a great opportunity for them all and The King’s School, Worcester, is delighted to support and be associated with Opera Worcester”.

Opera Worcester’s production of The Marriage of Figaro can be seen at The Swan Theatre, Worcester from 15-17 March 2018. Tickets are currently available on 07396 081426 or Worcester Live on 01905 611427 or by email on info@operaworcester.uk Further details can be found at operaworcester.co.uk