On Tuesday, September 4, 2007, Arizona Opera, Tucson Children’s Museum and the historic Fox Theatre launch a joint week-long celebration, TUCSON OPERA WEEK. Through educational and hands-on activities designed by Arizona Opera Education and Outreach educators and Tucson Children’s Museum administration children will experience the fun of music making and share in the craft of opera stage work.
With a focus on interactive and educational family events, the programs allow children the opportunity to open their minds and tune their ears to the music of opera.
Tucson Opera Week was created to further the goals and scope of Arizona Opera’s Education and Outreach mission. From September 4 – 9, specially created music appreciation programs will be held daily at the Tucson Children’s Museum and throughout the Tucson Unified School District, (TUSD). On Friday, September 7, the Fox Theatre will host two performances of The Mini Magic Flute. This first time collaboration between the three non-profit organizations will also highlight the opportunities available to families in the downtown area.
"Opera is a powerful educational tool," said Laura Baldasano, director of education for Arizona Opera. “The way it combines art forms really inspires creativity and intellectual growth. We try to interest students not just in the singing but all the components of opera. By listening to our community and coordinating on new ways to connect, Arizona Opera continues its mission to bring music into our lives.”
Tucson Children’s Museum will lead daily activities focused on music and art appreciation beginning at 2:30 P.M., September 4 – 9. Through video, recorded music and crafts Museum attendees will take part in programming both entertaining and instructional.
Arizona Opera’s School Tour production of The Mini Magic Flute will perform September 4 – 7 throughout the TUSD. This program encourages participation in the staging and performing of a one-hour opera. Children will have an interactive experience with trained classical singers as they take roles in the production.
Arizona Opera’s School Tour production of The Mini Magic Flute at the Fox Theatre will be presented September 7, at 9:15 a.m and 1:15 p.m. This entertaining one hour abridged version of Mozart's The Magic Flute involves on-stage participation for some of the children in the audience. The Mini Magic Flute combines spoken words, folk and classical music and is recommended for grades 3-5. TUSD students are invited to these performances at no cost.
On Saturday, September 8, 12:00, 1:00 & 2:00 p.m., the Museum will be filled with the sound of music. An Arizona Opera singer will guide children as they improvise their own opera scene in Opera in a Box, an activity which will involve imagination, acting and group collaboration. This fun and educational program gives children a valuable experience and understanding into the art and more importantly the accessibility of this all encompassing art form. -- www.azopera.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
