Now Playing at a School Near You: The Great Opera Mix-Up

"For drama that can't be beat, surprise them with something sweet."

- Lyrics from The Great Opera Mix-Up

The auditorium at Cory Elementary School in Denver was filled with laughter and familiar opera melodies this morning with two back-to-back student assemblies by Central City Opera's Ensemble Artists.  Singers Leslie Remmert-Soich, Erin Hackel and Aaron Pearson (accompanied by Deborah Schmit-Lobis) sorted out a zany operatic mixup, with help from students

and a few brave teachers.

Ultimately, they discovered that opera is simply storytelling with plot, characters, conflict, resolution – and music. And surprise – opera’s fun!

Photos by Erin Joy Swank

The Great Opera Mix-Up is just one of Central City Opera's many Education & Community programs that enhance existing curriculum for young students and lifelong learning for everyone.  We work directly with educators, community leaders, students and parents to make these offerings relevant, educational and entertaining.  To find out more, visit www.centralcityopera.org/education or contact the Education and Community Programs office at (303) 331-7026.

Puccini's Famous Aria "O mio babbino caro"

Gianni Schicchi, which Central City Opera will present in 2011, contains one of the best-known arias of the opera world -  "O mio babbino caro."  It has been used as the soundtrack for countless films and commercials, and even brought fame to 10-year-old Jackie Evancho on America's Got Talent.


In the film world, you'll find it in a wide variety of movies including G. I. Jane and Mr. Bean's Holiday, but it may be best known as the title track to A Room with a View.


While both of the above videos are beautiful examples of Puccini's aria, would you believe the piece was also used to promote the video game Grand Theft Auto III?

Happy December!

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