THE PROJECT Newcastle’s local 18th century composer, Charles Avison, was a champion of the music of Rameau and it is well known that he was instrumental in introducing Rameau’s music to England. As a further tribute to Avison (who did not write any operas), we propose to present a production of Rameau’s Platée at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. The date has yet to be decided, but we are looking at late 2009 or during 2010. In addition, the plot (sung in French) and staging will allow for a nuclear fusion of ideas to use in the education and outreach programme in schools. Mentors from both Santa Fe, Paris National Opera and the Avison Ensemble will lead a year-long project in schools with the aim of encouraging children in the use of French language, music and dance and ultimately to develop the foundations for the love of theatre and opera in particular. We stress that outstanding musicians will deliver the project in local schools, along with brilliant internationally recognised choreographers from Paris, coached by Laura Scozzi and designers from New Mexico. The sets have already been donated by Santa Fe Opera. Paris Opera will supply costumes by designer Laurent Pelly, one of France’s most recognised and brilliant opera producers, who will also be involved in staging the production. BENEFITS This international partnership has the potential to attract a high level of interest and attention and will be of enormous potential benefit to all who take part, as well as our own supporters, and audiences from within and outside the northeast region. The project will generate a host of sustained benefits, positive memories and experiences that will live on long after it has ended. The project will create numerous opportunities for local people to enjoy participation, learning and artistic appreciation and enable them to work with international artistic practitioners of opera, dance, music and theatre. COMMITMENT The Santa Fe Opera has already expressed its willingness and enthusiasm to be a partner with us in the project and has agreed to broker the partnership directly with Paris National Opera on our behalf. Amazingly, Santa Fe has already offered the theatrical sets to the opera free of charge, to facilitate the project! DELIVERY The Avison Ensemble has already built a track record for delivering large-scale projects, most notably our education programmes that have involved thousands of children. We will be aided by expert professional staff from both the Santa Fe Opera and Paris Opera to deliver the project on the ground, over the period of a year. PROJECT ADVISOR Richard Gaddes is currently the Director General of the Santa Fe Opera. He was born in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne. Mr. Gaddes’s career at the Santa Fe Opera began in 1969, when he became the Artistic Administrator. In 1976 he co-founded Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and left Santa Fe in 1978 to serve as the company’s full-time General Director. In 1988 Mr. Gaddes returned to Santa Fe as Director of the Apprentice Programme, and in 1998 he was chosen to succeed Founding General Director John Crosby. Last year Opera News named Richard Gaddes one of the ‘25 Most Powerful Names in U.S. Opera. Richard Gaddes has worked with many major talents in the field of opera; Kiri Te Kanawa, Colin Graham, Peter Sellars, Jonathan Miller, to name but a few, but all of whom were invited to make their made their American debuts working for Richard Gaddes. Richard is already familiar with the work of the Avison Ensemble and has already declared his support for the project and has already committed the resources and staff of Santa Fe Opera to help.