The idea
To commission Maya Sapone (Music Lead and Opera Singer) to write and deliver an operatic project using classical and folk music, rhymes, songs and actions interspersed with live opera singing. The performance is to appeal to and engage with the young audience of babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents and carers.
This is a live music production involving a narrator, a piano, clarinet, violin, cello and percussion giving those witnessing it the chance to get up close to these instruments and see how they can interact together.
Joining in with the words and actions in the story is a fun way for children and their parents/ carers to connect and explore music together!
Performances will be spread across the Borough to engage with as many children as possible. Invitations for a free performance will be sent to all 73 early years settings in the Borough, we will particularly look to engage with those settings in areas where we have had little contact previously.
What we'll deliver
- A fully immersive and inetractive performance
- A wonderful chance for babies and toddlers to engage with their parents/ carers through music
- A fun experience for all involved in the project
Why it's a great idea
Music makes us feel good and is a natural part of all of our every day experience. Music experiences in early childhood stimulate the brain and help in all areas of a child's growth, it helps develop co-ordination, strength and balance as children move to the beat! Exposure to different types of music helps to create more pathways to the brain, particularly Opera performed live is a uniquely thrilling experience – at its best, it is hugely powerful.
This project offers a unique experience for all those involved (both performers and audience) to engage together in the performance of a powerful piece of storytelling.
Steps to get it done
- Commission Maya Sapone (Music specialist and opera singer) to write a new opera for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
- Ensure the production is interactive, appealing and engaging to the young audience.
- Perform the opera with 10 early years settings on a tour with a live band (5 musicians).
We will be engaging and developing relationships with settings within the Borough who we don't usually engage with (as the Hubs funding remit is 5 - 18 years old). We will use local contacts at Children's Centres and those relationships we have built up to spread the offer throughout the Borough. We are excited about the chance to develop these relationships and future projects that will follow.
