YORK students were given a crash-course in the art of the aria when a member of Britain's oldest opera company visited to Oaklands School, Acomb.

Professional singer Catherine Friel, 27, of the Carl Rosa Opera Company, worked with about 100 pupils aged between 13 and 16, introducing them to the basics to opera. Catherine, who is the company's education officer, showed the children footage of the Carl Rosa cast in action and discussed the elements that go into creating an opera production.

"This outreach programme is designed to show the kids that opera isn't just about fat ladies, but young people are involved too," she said.

Jane Cartwright, the school's head of music, said: "The response has been fantastic. A lot of the older ones have been exposed to opera before, and some of them perform out of school. It has given them a real insight into the profession."

Carl Rosa is touring the country with its production of Gilbert & Sullivan's comic tale of life on the ocean waves, HMS Pinafore.

Tickets to today's matinee and evening performance at the Grand Opera House, York, are still available by phoning 01904 671818.

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, September 13, 2003