Utah Opera resident artists perform in Washington County schools
By Renée Huang
Students in Washington County can enjoy live opera in their own schools when Utah Opera’s resident artists perform for them throughout the week of Feb. 4. The culminating event of the week is a concert of music by Leonard Bernstein performed by the five artists in the Electric Theater Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
During their five-day visit to the area, Utah Opera resident artists will offer age-appropriate performances of the lively and colorful “Who wants to be an opera star?” in area elementary schools, as well as “Opera 101” and “Opera Up Close” for secondary school students.
Based on the format of popular game shows, “Who wants to be an opera star?” allows the visiting artists to teach the fundamentals of opera to younger students. The artists act as contestants who demonstrate their answers with vocal selections while the children serve as the studio audience. Students actively participate when they join the contestants in clapping rhythms, singing melodies, and identifying emotions in the music.
In-school performances for students are offered free of charge to Utah schools thanks to partial funding through the Utah State Legislature’s Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools program and the Elizabeth Brown Dee Fund for Music in the Schools.
On Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Electric Theater, the Utah Opera resident artists will perform a celebration of music for the theater composed by Leonard Bernstein. Featured scenes include music from “Candide,” “Trouble in Tahiti,” and “West Side Story.” The concert is approximately an hour in length and will be performed without intermission. Ticket prices for the concert are $5 for individuals or $10 for families up to six and are available the evening of the concert at the door.
Leonard Bernstein at 100 is the worldwide celebration of the hundredth birthday of Leonard Bernstein. The celebrating began officially Aug. 25, 2017 — Bernstein’s 99th birthday — and continues through his 100th year until August 25, 2019.
Full schedule of events
Feb. 4, 10:35 a.m., Dixie Sun Elementary School: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
Feb. 4, 1:00 p.m., Little Valley Elementary School: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m., Horizon Elementary School: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m., Heritage Elementary School: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
Feb. 6, 9 a.m., Water Canyon High School: “Opera 101”
Feb. 6, 1 p.m., Springdale Elementary: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
Feb. 7, 9 a.m., Dixie High School (choral class): “Opera Up Close”
Feb. 7, 1 p.m., Coral Canyon Elementary School: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
Feb. 8, 9 a.m., Legacy Elementary School: “Who wants to be an opera star?”
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