This exciting partnership between Victorian Opera and Deakin University uses the professional skills and expertise of a leading performing arts company with the research and teaching methodologies of an innovative higher education institution. With the support of charitable trusts including the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation and the Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation, Deakin University's Music in Schools Program aims to tackle the lack of music in local primary education.

The program, devised and implemented by Jenny Grenfell, Fiona Phillips and Gavin Franklin from Deakin's School of Education, mentors 27 teachers from 15 schools in south-west Victoria to design and implement a music curriculum that encourages pupils to become interested in the arts from an early age. Under the guidance and direction of Victorian Opera’s Music Director and eminent music educator Dr Richard Gill OAM, participating teachers and students are currently working on the children’s opera Brundibár by Hans Krása.

This free public event will showcase the Music in Schools Program and provide an opportunity for arts and education professionals, parents, collaborative partners and members of the general public to observe the process of producing a children’s opera and learn more about the aims and benefits of the program. The evening will also feature an open rehearsal of Brundibár, led by the professional team from Victorian Opera and Deakin University. The presentation will make use of basic costumes, set and the orchestra pit and will include the program’s teachers in every process.