Canadian Opera Company to Launch Eight-Week Children’s Workshop

By Logan Martell

Starting on May 20, 2020, the Canadian Opera Company will be launching an eight-week video series titled “Opera Makers: Activities for Young Creatives.” The series is designed for children ages 7 to 12, and explores the different art forms that go into making an opera, such as singing, composing, movement, set design, and more. Parents can register at the company’s website to have each lesson emailed directly.

Of the initiative, COC General Director Alexander Neef said, “As many families continue to find themselves in a learn-from-home scenario, we wanted to provide hands-on tutorials for young people that would spark imagination and develop their creative skills. We are lucky to collaborate with some of the best teaching artists around, who are experts in their respective fields; they designed Opera Makers as a way of building appreciation for the art form by starting with the fundamentals.”

May 20 – Tongue Twisters

Soprano Karine White leads a class in exercises targeted towards diction and clarity.

May 27 – Sing Like an Opera Singer

Soprano Makenzie Morgan will demonstrate techniques and warm-ups, using the “Habanera” from Bizet’s “Carmen.”

June 3 – Music and Motifs

Composer Saman Shahi will discuss fundamentals of music composition, with students using what they learn to create small pieces of their own.

June 10 – Setting the Stage

Designer Sonja Rainey teaches the basics of set design, with students using household materials to create a model set.

June 17 – Let’s Talk Opera!

Director and singer Renee Salewski will focus on teaching students how to deliver recitative.

June 24 – Composer’s Corner

Composer Chris Thornborrow will teach expression through melodic ideas.

July 2 – Brain & Body Boost

Composer Roydon Tse and dancer Annemarie Cabri will demonstrate movement techniques to promote relaxation.

July 8 – Aria Mad Libs

Opera singer Karine White will be joined by pianist Vlad Soloviev as participants submit their answers to construct a fun, grand finale aria.

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