MORE than 90 children from across Newport will be taking place in an opera in St Woolos Cathedral next month.

Pupils from across 16 different schools in Newport will get involved in Noye’s Fludde, which will be at the Cathedral on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.

Emma Gibbins, director of music for St Woolos Cathedral, said: “This is a community project which has brought people together from different backgrounds.

“Noye’s Fludde is an accessible opera. It is English and only lasts an hour.”

She said there will be more than 70 primary school children singing, with a further 20 playing instruments, and that Gaer Primary School has been very involved in the project, with their Year 5 students playing the parts of the animals with the Cathedral’s boys choir.

Ms Gibbins also said that, of the solo sung roles, only the parts of Mr and Mrs Noye will be played by professional singers.

The director added: “Benjamin Britten, the composer, was a great champion of community music-making and loved writing for children.

“At the Cathedral, we share Britten’s belief in the importance of nurturing young musicians. This will be a fantastic community project, bringing children from all over Newport together.”

Ms Gibbins said the play is “enormous” fun and that it is a “fabulous” piece of music.

Jack Templar-Johns, from the Cathedral’s boys choir, will play one of Noye’s three sons. The 12-year-old said: “I enjoy the music and being part of the team.”

Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for children. They will be available on the door or can be bought from the Cathedral shop in advance.