Lyric Opera of Kansas City to Host Summer Opera Camp, 7/29-8/9

Lyric Opera of Kansas City will host its Summer Opera Camp from July 29 to August 9, 2013 for students between the ages of 9 and 18. The camp will meet Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Michael and Ginger Frost Production Arts building in the Lyric Opera Center in the east Crossroads District.

During the two-week camp, students will have the opportunity to learn about the world of opera and study La bohème, the much-loved Puccini opera which will be performed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts March 15, 19, 21 and 23, 2014.

In addition to studying La bohème, students will learn about the many facets of performing in and staging an opera, from singing and movement to set and costume design. Additionally, they will perform a full choral recital and a short original family opera, Little Red Riding Hood, at a potluck luncheon on August 9. Families and friends are invited to the luncheon at the Production Arts Building.

Little Red Riding Hood is an adaptation of the classic children's fairy tale with a modern twist. It uses musical themes from great opera composers such as Mozart, Bizet, Puccini, Donizetti, Lehart and Gilbert and Sullivan. The story focuses on the importance of healthy eating and exercise while exposing students to a new art form.

"Opera camp is an opportunity for young people of all ages to experience the music and drama of opera in a stimulating and fun setting." Paula Winans, Director of Education, notes. "Our campers will learn to sing music in Italian from Puccini's La bohème, as well as work with professional opera singers, designers and directors to perform Little Red Riding Hood. Best of all, they'll leave camp with a love for a wonderful new art form and with a lot of new friendships."

If you are interested in signing up for Lyric Opera's Summer Opera Camp, registration forms can be found online at www.kcopera.org, in the Education and Outreach section, or by contacting Paula Winans, Director of Education, at pwinans@kcopera.org or calling (816) 471-4933.

The 56th season of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City will open with The Capulets and the Montagues, September 21- 29, 2013; followed by The Magic Flute November 9 - 17, 2013; La bohème, March 15-23, 2013; and Die Fledermaus April 26 - May 4, 2014. Details of the season can be found at www.kcopera.org.