New Camerata Opera presents operas in English designed especially to engage and educate children of all ages. Cuts in funding for the arts in New York and across the United States mean that children are missing out on an important part of their education, a piece of the puzzle which studies show pays dividends in their scholastic and professional lives. New Camerata Opera is committed to filling this void. Our roster of artists are ready to bring opera to your school, library, or local community center!
Peter Rabbit
Peter Rabbit is a rollicking, action-packed introduction to the world of classical music, featuring the timeless melodies of Gaetano Donizetti. About thirty minutes long, with a brief question and answer session, children learn and laugh at the same time!
Beatrix Potter’s beloved mischievous hero runs afoul of the gardener McGregor. He escapes by the skin of his teeth, as Donizetti’s score (borrowed from L'elisir d'amore) accompanies a dramatic chase. Beautiful arias set the tone for anxious handwringing by Momma Rabbit and the helpless narrator as the adventure plays out. Young audience members, costumed with ears and fluffy tails, round out the cast in the non-singing roles of Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail.
If you are interested in hiring New Camerata Opera to perform children's opera for your school or venue, please contact us using the form below.
Age 3 to 7
Party at the opera!
An immersive, musical and theatrical experience for children ages 18 months to 4 years. Excerpts from seven classic operas with original English texts teach children the fundamentals of classical music: rhythm, melody, harmony, range, and dynamics. Approachable, funny characters lead the audience on an exciting musical adventure! Children try their hands at conducting, playing a musical instrument, and find their own operatic voice in this welcoming first invitation into the world of opera.
Age 18 months to 4 years
Rumpelstiltskin
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale and set to the music of Mozart’s masterpiece Cosi fan tutte, this version of Rumpelstiltskin depicts the character of the Miller’s Daughter as a model of moral fortitude and courage. With the help of Rumpelstiltskin, a two-headed character sung by a baritone and tenor joined at the torso, the Miller's Daughter spins straw into gold to save the kingdom from famine. The original libretto encourages literacy and imagination through a poetic rhyme scheme, while at the same time providing moments of high comedy and an appreciation for theatre arts. Rumpelstiltskin promises to challenge young people’s brains as it tickles their funny bones. Please ask about our supporting classroom materials for students and teachers! Suggested for students aged 8 to 12 years
“NCO enriched the ongoing music exploration theme immensely and helped move our study into another and deeper level.”