Audiences will be inspired by musicians of the next generation when the students of Chicago Opera Theater's (COT) "Opera for All" Program display their talent and enthusiasm in a free showcase concert at Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center on April 29 at 11 am.
COT teaching fellows will lead students from COT's partner schools, Suder and Audubon Elementary Schools and Curie and Roosevelt High Schools, in an event showcasing their musical accomplishments on the recorder and in voice. The performance will feature repertoire such as "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Requiem," scenes from "The Little Sweep," and various traditional and folk melodies. The concert will close with a performance of "Va pensiero" from Verdi's "Nabucco," sung by a combined choir from the schools. The concert will also feature the public performance debut of the Audubon Opera Choir.
"To see the children of Chicago perform with such enthusiasm is truly inspiring," says Deborah Oberschelp, Director of Operations and Education at Chicago Opera Theater. "Providing an opportunity for these students to use their talent and share their interest in music with others is what the Opera for All program is really all about."
Andrew Patner will also deliver a lecture on the 29th at 12:15 p.m. that will highlight Chicago Opera Theater's upcoming opera, "Death in Venice." The lecture will be held in the 5th floor East Lecture Room of the Cultural Center. These events combined will make for a truly entertaining and stimulating afternoon.
Chicago Opera Theater's Opera For All Program was established in September 2000, in partnership with the Chicago Public Schools. As part of this program, COT is committed to providing in-depth music and arts experiences for students in underserved schools. COT teaching fellows Amy Cimini, Keri Elser, and Kevin Stovall are charged with developing close working relationships with the principal, teachers, and parents of COT's partner schools to build awareness of music and opera in the school community.
Chicago Opera Theater provides students at its partner schools the tools to study music, learn to sing and play an instrument, and participate in concert and opera performances. In the four partner schools, Chicago Opera Theater has created a successful model program including weekly after-school chorus and recorder lessons with COT teaching fellows. Abundant opera-related workshops and activities take place throughout the school year and, as a result, opera has been embraced by many students.
Since its first season in 1974, Chicago Opera Theater has carved a significant place for itself in the operatic life of Chicago. Under the leadership of General Director Brian Dickie, COT has become "the company to watch" with its wide range of operatic repertoire that includes the greatest works of the 17th, 18th, and 20th centuries. The 2004 season is no exception, featuring the operas "L'incoronazione di Poppea," "Death in Venice" and "Il Viaggio a Reims."
COT opened the 2004 season in its new home, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park. This modern, state-of-the-art theater is conveniently located at 205 E. Randolph St. For more information, call (312) 704-8420, ext. 10, or visit chicagooperatheater.org. |
