PIANO player Richard Dawson is tuning up for a 24-hour musical marathon to raise cash for Teesdale Operatic Society’s (TOS) youth section.
Mr Dawson is the society’s musical director and money raised from the event will be used to ensure youngsters don’t miss out on the chance to strut their stuff on stage.
The piano-playing marathon begins at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 18, at Barnard Castle School.
Anyone wishing to support the event can book a 15 minute slot when Mr Dawson will play their choice of music and during which they are welcome to sing along.
Operatic society chairwoman Dawn Trevor said the event would be live streamed.
A target of £500 has been set and an online Gofundme page has been launched.
She said: “Richard is brilliant on the piano – you can sing anything you like and donate a bit of money. It is open to anyone.”
She explained the initiative aimed to establish a bursary scheme to help more children enjoy the society’s activities.
“It will mean children who do not have the financial means to join us, or come to summer schools or music lessons can do so.
“We want to remove the financial barriers to musical theatre.”
The society, which staged its debut production last year to widespread critical praise, has organised its first children’s summer school later this month.
It is being held at Barnard Castle Prep School from August 22 to 26, and will culminate with a showcase on the final night.
“During the week there will be singing, dancing, acting and a little bit of how to direct,” said Ms Trevor.
“We will also show a bit of what goes on behind the scenes. It’s the first one and we will see how it goes. The response so far has been very good but there are still some spaces. You can book for the whole week or individual days.”
To find out more go to www.teesdaleoperaticsociety.co.uk/toys-youth-wing.
To support the piano marathon go to www. justgiving.com/crowd funding/toysbursary2022?utm_term=6Wv2y3eQg or scan the QR code.
