Elitism and pomp are the two things most associated with companies such as the Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The result of this misinformed stigma is that only 1 in 25 pupils have ever seen an opera. But is it wise to shun these ancient skills? To relinquish the memory of those who shaped society for ever?

I spoke to Anouk Sokolow, a Year 11 pupil at the Greenwich Free School about whether she thought opera was a dying art form. She passionately replied, “Absolutely not! It simply has to find subjects that are relevant to contemporary audiences, for example Tansy Davies’ recent opera about 9/11 does what music has always been able to do which is to express the inexpressible. Or Philip Venable’s “4.48 Psychosis” which is an intensely personal account of mental illness based on Sahara Kane’s play, and again uses opera to articulate such a complex spectrum of emotions. In that situation, in my opinion, only opera can marry the artistic elements to fully realise these stories.”

In response to my question, “How do you think we can inspire more teens to go to the opera or listen to classical music?” she promptly suggested that, “More exposure and relevance to teenage lives through the use of classical music will inspire a new generation of listeners.”

Finally, I asked the question ringing in all of our minds when we think of the sweeping red carpets of the opera house: “Do you think opera and theatre tickets should be made cheaper so that everybody has an equal chance of going?” Her opinion could not be clearer. “100%,” she stated. “In relation to music, we have one of the best music festivals on our doorstep with the BBC Proms, where you can go to see the widest variety of talent for only £5. If we incorporate this model of music entertainment into all performances then I believe the problem of division would be solved.”

She nodded at me with confidence then turned and strode into the gallery of the Royal Opera House flashing her ticket for March 31st’s dazzling performance of Coraline.