Special and secondary school pupils from across the city will perform a show based on Mozart's opera, the Magic Flute, on Friday, January 24, 2003, before an invited audience.

The performance is the result of a two-week collaboration, led by Opera North and supported by City of York Council's arts service. The aim of the project is to encourage pupils from mainstream and special schools to work together in a creative environment.

The Opera North team of a composer, writer, director, singer and designer have worked together with the pupils to explore the themes of Mozart's opera.

The pupils have devised words, movement and music to conjure up different moods and tensions, taking the audience on a fantastic journey through five worlds.

The schools have also designed and made props to transform the venue into worlds of forests, fire, temptation, birds and back to reality.

Kathy Cremin, project manager, Opera North, said: "The collaboration between the schools has been fantastic. The young people have had a great response to the opera and it has really fired their imaginations and creativity."

Gill Cooper, head of arts, City of York Council, said: "This is the sixth annual collaboration between special and mainstream schools and Opera North|.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for the young people to meet each other, to work together and to share a creative experience. Not only do they gain artistic skills working with the Opera North professionals; they also make friendships and contacts that they carry on to other projects and activities."

Councillor Alan Jones, the council's executive member for leisure and heritage, said: "This represents a great opportunity for young people to work with professionals in a fascinating medium. I wish everyone involved in the performance great success."

The performance will take place at the National Centre for Early Music and will involve pupils from Fulford Cross School, Northfield School, Galtres School, Burnholme Community College and Manor CE Secondary School.