The Ulster Touring Opera is set to launch a youth programme in several locations including Enniskillen.

The Ulster Youth Opera programme, which will also take place in Belfast and Londonderry, will start in September.

The exclusive cross-border touring opera company is offering young performers between the ages of eight to 18 the opportunity to work closely with international artists.

In partnership with the MAC, the Playhouse, and the Ardhowen theatres, the programme is aimed at nurturing talent.

The 2024-2025 programme builds upon a successful pilot programme in Enniskillen in 2023, supported by the Bank of Ireland and the Arts Council NI.

The pilot saw 100 per cent of parents agreeing that their children’s singing and acting skills improved, while 93 per cent of parents noticed a change in their child’s confidence and energy since joining Ulster Youth Opera.

Each workshop will be facilitated by a professional singer, director, and pianist and operates in two groups; an eight to 13-years-old group and a 14 to 18-years-old group.

In Belfast, the programme will take place at the MAC on Saturdays twice a month from September 2024 to May 2025, with bookings available at https://tinyurl.com/33xwczfv.

In Londonderry, the programme will take place at The Playhouse on Mondays, once a month from September to December, with bookings available at https://tinyurl.com/nafpt3fs.

In Enniskillen, the programme will take place at The Ardhowen on Thursdays, once a month from September 2024 to May 2025.

Bookings for the eight to 13-years-old group are available at https://tinyurl.com/27mv6vwv while the 14 to 18-years-old group bookings can be done at https://tinyurl.com/63jav452.

International opera artist Gemma Summerfield will be the singer facilitator for the sessions at the Playhouse Derry.

Parents have praised the programme, with one saying: "My daughter has loved both the singing and drama aspects of these sessions – she loves the magic of watching what it becomes.

"She came out empowered, joyful, confident and enthusiastic for the next challenge."

Another said: “My son has enjoyed this greatly, particularly the process of seeing what it takes to build towards the showcase.

“He enjoys the chance to watch how other people approach doing things - this builds self-awareness.”