Music of the Skerne project begins
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Exploring the history and environment of their local river, pupils from Haughton Academy have been taking inspiration from the River Skerne in our new creative project kicking off this week with partners Discover Brightwater, Darlington Hippodrome, Durham Music Service and Opera North.
Through a series of creative online workshops, working with composer/arranger Sarah Freestone and lyricist Katie Doherty, pupils from Haughton Academy will create lyrics and music inspired by the river and its history - from Romans to railways via marshland and the Durham Ox.

Participants' word responses to a presentation by Discover Brightwater about the River Skerne in the first creative workshop.
The new piece created by the pupils with the support of our artistic partners will be premiered by Opera North in a performance later in 2021.
Music of the Skerne is produced by Orchestras Live in partnership with Darlington Hippodrome, Discover Brightwater and Durham Music Service.
Composer / Arranger: Sarah Freestone
Lyrics: Katie Doherty
Students of Haughton Academy, Darlington
Orchestra of Opera North
River Rea Films
We are grateful for funding from Arts Council England, Discover Brightwater, Creative Darlington, and Scops Arts Trust.