Our Philosophy

As music educators and directors of our own Youth Opera Workshop, we have been frustrated by the lack of dramatically compelling and musically interesting repertoire that is suitable for young singers. Many works written specifically for children to perform are musically insipid, with simple-minded stories that do not engage adult audiences. Or the stories explore difficult, emotional themes that do not appeal to a child’s light-hearted and innocent nature.

We have found that our students respond enthusiastically to good music in whatever form it may take, and are challenged by rhythmic and harmonic variety and entranced by a beautiful melody. They enjoy humorous stories, with direct and clearly told plots, and tricks or pranks that appeal to their sense of fun. Above all they enjoy clever rhymes and wordplay, and metered verse with an adult vocabulary.

We met the challenge of finding appropriate repertoire by creating our own pastiche operas that encompass all these elements, while increasing the performer’s knowledge and appreciation of great works in the traditional operatic repertoire.

Using the work of a single operatic composer and a familiar story, we develop a libretto that allows for all the conventions of a full-length opera in an abbreviated form. Arias are well within the vocal capabilities of the average middle school or young high school singer, choruses are primarily two-part harmony, and all ensemble lines are doubled in the accompaniment. Each cast calls for several experienced and skilled singers, one or two vibrant singing actors, and a number of less experienced singers who are more comfortable being part of a small ensemble. Each story asks the cast to participate emotionally in the story, and carries them from joy to sorrow, from fear to celebration. All of our operas include the opportunity for dancing if desired, and open and close with large colorful chorus scenes.

Since we have used standard operatic repertoire, our works can be performed with equal success by adults for an audience of children, or by Young Artists in a school residency program where younger students form the chorus.

For the past five years, we have presented our works through the Westminster Conservatory Youth Opera workshop. Our operas are warmly received by students, parents and educators, and appeal to a wide and diverse audience of all ages. They have also been successfully staged by other schools and arts organizations, and we believe you would find them appealing and perfectly suitable for your own students.

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