In Autumn 2021, the [ENO Engage](https://www.eno.org/discover-opera/eno-
engage/) team delivered a series of ‘Introduction to opera’ singing and
movement workshops, inspired by [_The Cunning Little
Vixen_](https://www.eno.org/operas/the-cunning-little-vixen/) for children and
young people aged 9-19, from across local ENO Partner schools and our Youth
Programme.

The project aimed to help enable children and young people to discover more
about their own creative potential, develop new skills, confidence and improve
self-esteem; all through the power of opera.

We used this immersive introduction to opera as a springboard to cast 24 of
these children and young people in the mainstage production, offering them the
opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professional singers, musicians
and actors, and to work with professional directors, artists and technicians.

_The Cunning Little Vixen_ marks one of the first occasions the ENO has cast
children directly from local schools. We are thrilled to be using ENO Engage
pathways to champion non-traditional casting routes; providing a unique
opportunity to work with professionals on the world-famous Coliseum stage, and
enabling us as a company to reach performers from different backgrounds across
the local community, particularly those who might never have come across opera
before.

The schools took part in further activities in the lead up to the production
and attended the performance to support and celebrate the achievements of
their fellow pupils, whilst also experiencing opera for the first time.

**_“We are delighted to be able to partner with the English National Opera on
this production of The Cunning Little Vixen. Our pupils have really enjoyed
the challenge of getting to grips with being in a full-scale professional
production, and have grown in confidence through the rehearsal period.”_**

Mrs Hannah Legg, Year 6 Teacher, All Souls C of E Primary School

Related Content: An introduction to The Cunning Little VixenJanáček‘s exploration of the fairy tale genre blends comic with tragic, leading to a touching philosophical reflection on the nature of life and death. Or simply a light hearted story about a mischievous fox, and the antics she gets up to in the forest.ENO 2022/23Featuring nine fantastic operas, our 2022/23 Season brings seven exciting new productions alongside two much-loved revivals. Whether you’re an opera lover or a newcomer, we have a captivating production to entice.