A Street Songs Project supported by

Street Songs is a year long programme of activity aimed at capturing the rich seam of stories and voices of the valleys. Welsh National Opera is working across the South Wales Valleys with local people of all ages and backgrounds to turn your stories and life experiences into song and bring opera into the open.

WNO is working closely throughout October, November and December with the Aberdare based Church Army project 'Valley of Hope'. The project aims to support ex offenders and those previously homeless, or struggling with drug or alcohol additions helping them get their lives back on track.

The writer and composer will work with each participant, often in their own homes to help craft their stories into songs which will then be performed by WNO singers on the Aberdare to Cardiff train a few days before Christmas. A mixed media artist will work with them to create a visual depiction of their stories to sit alongside the lyrics. The artwork will then be turned into posters to be displayed on the train, providing the back drop for the performance. The project will be captured on film and turned into a 30min documentary by award winning film maker Davina Payne - Click here to watch Opera Express

Click on the Experience tab above to watch the Opera Express documentary, and view the participants work.

If you have participated in Valley of Hope you can have exclusive access to a Notice Board where you can keep in touch and up to date with your group and project.

Click here to read more about the film

Writer Patrick Jones Composer/Accordian Stacey Blythe Artist Rosy Prue Mezzo Kate Woolveridge Baritone Owen Webb Producer Claire Cressey Project Assistant Sara Jones