Our mission is to build a vibrant creative community — through the creation and performance of original opera — that transcends differences and transforms the lives of children, families, and artists. In 2014-2015 we worked to build that community through four types of programming:
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After-School Opera Creation
WE CONTINUED to work intensively with a small group of students over the course of the entire school year this season. Here's what that looked like in numbers:
* All class sessions, building days, and dress rehearsals for all 3 of our classes combined |
Here's what parents and students are saying about their experience this season
"It was our first year, so I didn't know what to expect. I was blown away in December when I heard Solveig's class sing a song they wrote. They were clearly asked to work with a level of professionalism, but they also had so much fun."
– Parent of 2nd grade student "Little Opera is a small bud sprouting. It's as if a heavy fog cloud has lifted and angels are singing! The sun is shining and everything is perfect!" – 5th grade Little Opera student |
"If Gertrude had to spend the rest of her life behind bars or on a remote and hostile planet, she would be happy provided there was Little Opera at least twice a week. We would miss her, though."
– Parent of 6th grade student "Little Opera is the existence of all the music and color of the world in one small ball." – 6th grade Little Opera student |
Here are the three operas our students created, and a word from a few of them on the process.
The Giraffe, the Witch, and the Portal
May 2015, Humperdicks, Grades 2-3 with composer Jenny Hanson |
Tragedy of Tragedies
May 2015, Wagners, Grades 3-5 with composer Danny Clay |
The Giraffe, the Witch, and the portal from Little Opera on Vimeo. Twin girls are feeding the giraffe at the San Francisco Zoo when they are suddenly separated by a magic portal. One twin ends up alone in the snow, lost and hungry. The giraffe has also been whisked through the portal, and has become king of his own castle. The girl finds the giraffe king’s feast, where she meets the witch who brought her there. The witch’s ice children help her get back home again, but an ice spider comes along for the ride, and sneaks off to terrorize the world. |
Tragedy of Tragedies from Little Opera on Vimeo. A family of three sets off to find the Last Haunted Graveyard. As they explore, the son is captured by ghosts, and soon afterwards so is his mother, Cynthia. The Explorer Dad panics, and rushes for help to the only place nearby: An old candy store. The candy store owner offers to help look for the family the next day. During the night, the ghosts come to feast on candy, and the Explorer Dad discovers them, and asks for his family back. The opera ends when Cynthia must choose what to do – stay with her son the ghost, or leave with her husband. |
Deja Vu Tango
May 2015, Tchaikovskys, Grades 5-7 with composer Alex Stein |
Opera Preview: Tragedy of Tragedies
Little Opera students on the process of creating this opera |
Deja Vu Tango from Little Opera on Vimeo. The story follows two brothers, John and Rupert Burke, through multiple feuds and reconciliations in 1906-1907 San Francisco. There are two deaths, two weddings, two family meals, and a vaudeville performance. The opera is part tragedy, part romance, part farce. |
Opera Preview: Tragedy of Tragedies from Little Opera on Vimeo. Little Opera's Wagner class (3rd-5th graders) give a preview of the opera they created this season. They introduce themselves, their characters, the story, and give insights on what to listen for. |
In-school workshops
Here's what the workshop series looked like in numbers:
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Lyrics from our lower elementary workshop:
Without change nothing would happen. Without change it would all be the same. If we didn’t change we’d never grow, we’d never learn we’d never be born, we’d never die -- which is weird! |
Teaching Artist Apprentice Program
Designed to give new to the field teaching artists an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, the program is part observation, part reflection, and part trial by fire. This was the first season our apprentice program implemented a structured 9-month curriculum of reading, practice, and written assignments.
Felipe became an integral part of the teaching team this season, and we're looking forward to working with him as a regular visual art Master Class teacher in the coming year!
Community Concert
LITTLE OPERA STUDENTS and adult associate artists took the show on the road for the first time ever this season, and performed last year's "I'm in the Mirror" opera as part of Cabrillo Music Festival's Church Street Fair.
A huge thanks to the hosts and supporters who made this out of town experience possible! Our students and associate artists loved performing for a new audience, and we hope that it's the beginning of more performance opportunities we are able to provide for our students.