Distinguished company as budding star aged nine lands role in opera

21st September 2009

SHE will be going on tour with some of the world's top opera stars – joining a cast thrilling high-brow audiences from London to Belfast in a new version of a tragic love story sung entirely in French.

But away from the spotlight North Yorkshire schoolgirl Flora Grafton will be just like any other nine-year-old enjoying a bit of a break from her normal full-time studies. 

Flora, a pupil at Belmont Grosvenor School, Harrogate, is one of the child characters in Opera North's Werther, by Jules Massenet which opens at Leeds's Grand Theatre at the weekend. 

But the young singer is not the only pupil being coached for stardom after catching the ear of the school's singing and piano teacher, Marika Van der Meer. 

As well as Flora taking the role of Clara, fellow pupil Sophia Metcalfe has been picked as an understudy for the production. 

From sharing fun with classmates at the independent co-educational prep school, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate, the girls will now be working alongside the likes of internationally-renowned mezzo soprano Alice Coote and tenor Paul Nilon. 

Flora, of Dacre, near Harrogate, has been singing since she was a toddler, and started taking lessons at school when she was seven. 

She said: "I couldn't believe it when I found out that I had got the role. I am very excited but also quite nervous." She has singing lessons twice a week at school and has been learning the cello for the past year. 

A member of Belmont's musical theatre group, Curtain Call, she also attends the school's Funky Feet dance club. 

Outside class, she is a member of the Harrogate-based Theatrebox and was chosen as one of the Ripon Young Musicians of the Year earlier this year for her singing. 

"I just love singing and acting. It makes me feel really free when I am on stage. The people from Opera North are great," Flora said. "They are just regular people but they are really famous. Everyone is so friendly. It is so exciting being involved – but also quite nerve-wracking." 

"It is a fantastic experience and I am really loving it. It's been quite easy to learn the songs and I am always singing them at home." 

Her dream is to be an actor when she grows up – following in the footsteps of her idol Selina Gomez, who stars in her favourite TV show, Wizards of Waverley Place. 

Year Six pupil Sophia, 11, is also excited about her understudy role as Gretal in Werther, which is sung in French with English titles. 

Sophia added: "I just love singing, acting and dancing. My sister is an actor in London and I'd like to go into musical theatre when I am older. 

"When I found out I was to be an understudy I was just so excited. It's wonderful being part of the production and we have made so many friends." 

As well as her singing, acting and dancing Sophia, one of four children, is also a member of Funky Feet, Theatrebox, and Curtain Call – and already developing a talent as a flautist, having recently completed her Grade 4 exam. 

Head teacher Jane Merriman said she was extremely proud of both girls' achievements, adding: "This is a real opportunity for Flora and Sophia to put these skills into practice with a professional company." 

Emma Stretch, Director of Music at the school, said: "Both Flora and Sophia have shown a flare for music and drama right from the early years at Belmont. 

"While Flora has impressed us all in assemblies with her confidence and ability, Sophia has been a rising star in our school productions and local music festivals. 

"The girls have brilliant energy and enthusiasm for singing and the stage. It has been a real pleasure to encourage and work with them both."