However, the benefits of WotOpera go far beyond the stage, the philanthropist said.

``We started the program because I've always enjoyed the opera and I couldn't see many Australian operas developing and I couldn't see a way for youngsters to get involved in the art form,'' Mr Wood said

Tonight at Launceston's Princess Theatre, students from Exeter, Kings Meadows, Prospect and Queechy high schools will deliver their own opera performance.