Photo Credit: James Martindale, La Traviata
Truth be told, the opera generally
has a bad rep for being highbrow and impenetrable, especially to children. But,
unbeknownst to many parents, plenty of operas sport characteristics that can appeal
to a child’s imagination: fairytales, whimsical characters, elaborate sets and
virtuoso music. The Dicapo Opera Theatre on the Upper East Side—an indie
company boasting entire seasons of traditional productions—breaks the mold by making
opera less intimidating for NYC families, while putting kids in the midst of
the music and drama with their special weekend-only series, “Opera for Kids.”
A self-proclaimed opera nerd,
Dicapo’s General Director Michael Capasso started “Opera for Kids” with two goals
in mind—to develop future opera-goers and to give his young Resident Artists
the chance to perform lead roles. At the helm from the beginning, Capasso
founded the Dicapo Opera with his high school music teacher Diane Martindale in
1981 and gave the theatre a home on East 76th Street in 1991.
Having fallen in love with the opera
at only seven years old, Capasso knows first-hand the benefits of introducing
it to children. “Opera is an art form that enriches the soul…I fell in love
with [it] at a very early age,” says the Long Island native who grew up in
an Italian household full of rich tradition and culture. Surprisingly, Capasso
didn’t develop his affinity for opera at home, but through the music program at
his school. “I remember opera performances coming to our school and…field trips
to the Metropolitan Opera.” He hopes to ignite that same creative spark in
today’s youngsters.
Now in its fifth season, “Opera for
Kids” has taken off from its modest beginnings as a one-show run to five fully
realized productions all performed in their original language, says Capasso. Lasting
approximately one hour, the typical “Opera for Kids” event gives children from
ages 5 to 15 the chance to hear famous compositions, see costumed actors and even
get a behind-the-scenes peek at a set change. Each morning begins with an
introduction and narration by Capasso himself and concludes with a Q&A
session where kids and parents can ask questions, meet the artists and grab
photo ops. “It’s fascinating for them,” he says. “You know they’re enjoying it
because they are quiet, pay attention, ask good questions and come back.”
Sure, there are ways of introducing
kids to opera at home—videos and recordings—but there is no substitution for
seeing it live on stage. Capasso encourages parents to expose their kids to the
performing arts regularly, if not through the Dicapo than at least through one
of the many wonderful arts organizations throughout the city. In the meantime,
he’s doing his part to cultivate the next generation of opera aficionados.
OPERA 101
Familiarize your children with the lingo and customs of an opera.
ARIA – A long solo, usually
sung by one of the leads. In the theater, the equivalent of an aria
would be a monologue.
BRAVA – If a female singer knocks your socks off, then shout brava.
BRAVI – When the entire ensemble blows you away, show your appreciation with
an exuberant bravi.
BRAVO – Exclaim bravo to acknowledge the excellent skills of a male
singer.
DIVA – Literally means “goddess,” but diva is also what you call a
female opera star.
ENCORE – For when it’s so good, you need to hear it again.
WHAT’S ON DECK
The 411 on Dicapo’s last two “Opera for Kids” productions of the season.
La Traviata – April 21 & 22
Giuseppe
Verdi’s great masterpiece portrays the love story of Violetta and Alfredo. In
the end, the pair sings one of opera’s most famous duets.
Gianni Schicchi – May 12 & 13
This
one-act opera by Giacomo Puccini portrays the silly and bizarre mishaps of
friends and foes out to inherit the fortune of a deceased millionaire.
For more information, visit dicapo.com.
