The Duke of Cornwall visited HM Dartmoor Prison to learn about the Prison Choir Project and listened to a brief performance by its participants.
Opera singer Adam Green founded the Prison Choir Project, which strives to rehabilitate prisoners, ex-offenders and people dealing with mental disorder through the study and performance of opera, song, and choral music.
The project aspires to afford a pathway towards reducing reoffending by strengthening self-esteem, encouraging personal development and employability skills for all those involved.
Over 400 prisoners and prison staff have been involved with the project’s work to date, including an opera in Dartmoor and further programmes in HMP Kirkham and HMP Drake Hall.
The Prince of Wales visited Dartmoor Prison today to view a performance by participants of the Prison Choir Project.
The project aims to rehabilitate prisoners and ex-offenders through opera, song and choral music. pic.twitter.com/3NKAWqiJki
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) March 23, 2018
During the visit, Prince Charles met privately with the Governor of HMP Dartmoor and Rory Stewart OBE MP, Minister for Prisons and Probation.
HRH then watched participants of the Prison Choir Project programme perform a 20-minute highlights programme from Bizet’s Carmen as well as a song from Les Miserables, a preview of this coming summer’s production that will place in the prison chapel.
Opera singer Adam Green set up the Prison Choir Project with the aim to help participants build self-esteem and improve self confidence and employability skills. pic.twitter.com/zeKViFwZIf
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) March 23, 2018
Charles is a long-time supporter of the performing arts and frequently attends concerts, plays and operas in private and public.
A keen supporter of opera, Prince Charles is Patron of the Royal Opera House, Welsh National Opera and British Youth Opera.
