Folk opera celebrates history of migration
BBCA folk opera celebrating migration to a town hit by riots nearly two years ago aims to "bring people together", organisers say.
A performance of My Great Folk, organised by North East Opera and featuring the life stories of more than 2,000 people, is being held at Middlesbrough Town Hall later.
Musical director David Pisaro said: "The show isn't political, it's a celebration of the towns history and diversity. We are really shouting about pride in Middlesbrough."
The town's council partially funded the performance using money from the Community Recovery Fund which was set up after the riots in August 2024.
Terry Doyle, who is part of the choir, said he previously only sang at Middlesbrough matches.
"This project is so great as it's bringing people together and that's what our town's about, we need to be welcoming," he said.
Fellow singer Anna Kruvita, who moved to Middlesbrough from Ukraine two years ago, described the group as her "second family".
"It's very special because I've learnt so many different traditions from people across the community."
Also taking to the stage is Zainab Aboharoon who is originally from Iraq.
She said: "We sing as one and we are together as one.
"It's a beautiful thing, it's like coming to church."
Funding given to Middlesbrough Council after the violent disorder also enabled North East Opera to put on workshops to add to the performance.
In them, people explored their own family history and links to different cultures and countries.
Unrest broke out during a protest in Middlesbrough on 4 August 2024, with violence police described as "staggering".
It was one of several protests triggered by false social media claims that someone who had arrived in the UK illegally was responsible for the murder of three young girls in Southport at a Taylor-Swift themed dance class.
Pisaro said North East Opera went into HMP Holme House to try and engage with some of the rioters, but instead worked with other prisoners who contributed towards the music.
"We're not saying anything political with our show," Pisaro said.
"Our show is simply celebrating migration and we're presenting many different countries.
"We're celebrating the heritage, we're celebrating the present, and we're defiantly optimistic about the future."
The show includes songs from the UK and Ireland, Namibia, Nigeria, Italy, Eritrea, Ukraine and Iran.
It features 200 performers accompanied by folk and rock musicians, dancers from Navrang Arts, poet Bob Beagrie and the South Bank Brass Band.
Abingdon, Beech Grove, Newport and Linthorpe primary schools will also take part in a special performance exclusively for students, staff and families.