On Tuesday 23rd April, some on the Year Seven and Eight gifted and talented musicians were treated to a wonderful trip to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. They watched a powerful performance by Ensemble Isango, of an adaptation of the novel A Man of Good Hope.

Asad Abdullahi was eight years old when his mother was murdered in front of him. He fled war-torn Mogadishu and journeyed through Africa in search of a better life, eventually finding his way to the outskirts of Johannesburg – but his troubles didn’t stop there…

The music, played on marimbas and percussion by all of the cast at different times, was uplifting and breathtaking, along with fabulous African singing from all of the different countries of Africa that Asad travelled through. At times funny and sad, the production taught us a lot about the complex politics of the African countries and the plight of many war torn refugees.

Pupils also enjoyed time around Covent Garden sampling the wares (mostly from Hotel Chocolat!) A truly inspirational trip.