IF you thought opera was an unfathomable art for middle-aged toffs, think again.

After taking part in an unusual new venture, ten-year-olds across Brent are becoming culture buffs, able to tell the difference between an epic arias and an overdone overture.

Children from schools in Kingsbury, Sudbury and Wembley are among those who spent six weeks studying Donizetti's 19th century work L'Elisir d'Amore in anticipation of performances across the borough by the Pavilion Opera group this month.

The unique initiative, organised by the charity the Pavilion Opera Educational Trust (Poet) allows state school children to learn about the art.

Every Brent primary school is involved in classwork about the opera, and Fryent Primary in Kingsbury; Sudbury Primary and Oakingham Manor Primary, in Wembley, are hosting performances, while St Joseph's Roman Catholic primary in Wembley, is also participating.

Each event packs in more than 150 children, parents, governors and local dignitaries.

Programme co-ordinator Carole Briar is delighted to be taking Poet's operatic roadshow to Brent after successes in neighbouring Ealing, as well as Hillingdon and Lambeth.

She said: "Everyone is very excited about the events lined up. People are usually surprised about how much the children enjoy opera."

To put on just one performance by the world-renowned Pavilion Opera would have cost the council £7,000. But Poet picks up the tab, raising funds from corporate sponsorship and donations.

Carole said: "We've had great support from organisations such as the Park Royal Partnership, Wembley Stadium Charitable Trust and the International Music and Art Foundation.

"With businesses and schools involved it really is a community programme."

After the opera, children write to Poet explaining what they have learned.

Following the success of this week's performances at Oakington Manor Primary and Fryent Primary, there will be another at Sudbury Primary in Watford Road on June 29.