An Investigation into Children's Opera: A Historical Survey, Its Nature and Condition in Canada Today
Abstract
Opera is a unique collaboration of music, dance, literature, theatre, and visual arts
which some observers believe is the greatest of all art forms. From its origins in Florence,
opera has existed as a significant source of cultural and national identity through sharing
stories from different nations, addressing social and political issues, and creating new
meanings and trends through the combination of old and new. In parallel with
contemporary globalization developments, opera continually attempts to reinvent itself by
becoming ever more communal, more accessible, and cross-culturally adaptable.
This dissertation considers the involvement of children in the merging of music
and drama as part of the unbroken tradition dating back to ancient Greece. Opera is
capable of entertaining and educating younger generations either as active participants or
audience members. It offers the potential to reveal new ideas, illustrate aspects of diverse
cultures, support intellectual progress, and facilitate educational and artistic creativity.
As a composer and a teaching artist with many years of experience working with
children and youth, my teaching philosophy encompasses informing the younger
generation about their own cultural values in addition to those of others. This approach
supports educational development and encourages the development of strong creative
voices in a more diverse society of the future.
Through its history, opera has served as a kinaesthetic pedagogical tool for
children to assist them in locating their own unique creative selves and artistic
personalities. Unfortunately, there are limited resources and references available to
facilitate opera production aimed at children. This dissertation seeks to partially remedy
this situation by providing a historical overview and analytical and pedagogical resources
for individuals (educators, composers, ensemble directors, producers, etc.) who are
interested in creating childrens opera or employing opera as a pedagogical approach for
children.
which some observers believe is the greatest of all art forms. From its origins in Florence,
opera has existed as a significant source of cultural and national identity through sharing
stories from different nations, addressing social and political issues, and creating new
meanings and trends through the combination of old and new. In parallel with
contemporary globalization developments, opera continually attempts to reinvent itself by
becoming ever more communal, more accessible, and cross-culturally adaptable.
This dissertation considers the involvement of children in the merging of music
and drama as part of the unbroken tradition dating back to ancient Greece. Opera is
capable of entertaining and educating younger generations either as active participants or
audience members. It offers the potential to reveal new ideas, illustrate aspects of diverse
cultures, support intellectual progress, and facilitate educational and artistic creativity.
As a composer and a teaching artist with many years of experience working with
children and youth, my teaching philosophy encompasses informing the younger
generation about their own cultural values in addition to those of others. This approach
supports educational development and encourages the development of strong creative
voices in a more diverse society of the future.
Through its history, opera has served as a kinaesthetic pedagogical tool for
children to assist them in locating their own unique creative selves and artistic
personalities. Unfortunately, there are limited resources and references available to
facilitate opera production aimed at children. This dissertation seeks to partially remedy
this situation by providing a historical overview and analytical and pedagogical resources
for individuals (educators, composers, ensemble directors, producers, etc.) who are
interested in creating childrens opera or employing opera as a pedagogical approach for
children.