SUPPOSING you were asked to perform in an opera which was set in China, written in Italian and performed by Russians - how do you think you would do?

Ten pupils from Howsham Hall School made light of any language barriers when they joined the Chisinau National Opera, from Russia, for Puccini's Turandot at the Grand Opera House, in York, despite the fact they only met up with the touring company on the afternoon before the show on Sunday.

The boys had roles as part of the chorus in the show, filling the roles of a group of villagers, and school spokesman Martin Dales had to admit it was an intriguing night.

He said: "It was a unique experience. It was what I call instantaneous opera. However, the performance was terrific. I was amazed. The company obviously has got touring down to a niceity."

The opera house was packed for the performance, which meant that it was probably the biggest crowd that the boys have performed in front of.

"They were probably nervous," said Mr Dales, "but in the typical spirit of the school, they hid them very well and got on with it."

The pupils will rejoin with the rest of the school choir on October 25 for an autumnal concert, in which everyone in the school plays a part. Among the music they will perform will be the pieces they had to learn for Turandot.

Updated: 11:45 Thursday, October 11, 2001