Knoxville Opera is committed to enriching the lives of youth in our community. Through our programs, we bring opera to those who might not have the opportunity to experience the wonders of this classic art form. Students who participate in our education programs learn not only vocal and instrumental music, but also literature, drama, theatre, architecture and history.
In addition to our programs for students, KO offers music arts education and exposure to people of all ages. Outreach programs designed for adults and community groups are an integral part of Knoxville Opera’s mission.
In-School Programs
Opera 101 is a unique in-school program equally suitable for schools that already have music offerings or for schools that are lacking in these. Elementary schools in Knox and surrounding counties can take advantage of an educational and entertaining introduction to the world of musical theatre. Starting with popular selections from 20th century Broadway musicals, the performances weave through history going back to the great classics from Italian and French opera, ending with highlights from upcoming or recent KO productions. A question and answer session concludes the 45 minute presentation.
The musical selections are performed by vocal artists from the Knoxville Opera Studio. All are graduate students at the University of Tennessee and perform throughout the year in Knoxville Opera and UT Opera theatre productions. Brian Salesky, General Director and conductor of Knoxville Opera often hosts the performances and accompanies the singers at the piano.
Music teachers at schools that have hosted our programs rave about the enthusiastic responses from the students. They tell us of their delight at watching the focus and the curiosity that the students display.
The fee for single performances is $250.00, with discounts offered for multiple performances at the same school on the same day. Some schools are able to cover the fee; however, others are able to benefit from the program only through full or partial scholarships made possible through the generosity of individual or corporate sponsors. A 250.00 contribution underwrites a full program; smaller amounts are appreciated and are pooled with other contributions toward full or partial scholarships. We are grateful to our many individual donors and to First Tennessee and SAIC for their corporate sponsorship.
Student Dress Rehearsal
Knoxville Opera is pleased to offer student dress rehearsals for its season’s productions to area Middle and High School students and their chaperones. Those attending the 2007-2008 rehearsals will be able to experience fully-staged performances of La Forza del Destino by Giuseppe Verdi and Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, both sung in Italian with projected English translation. Unless otherwise noted, performances take place at the Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville.
The fee to attend a student dress rehearsal is 3.00 per student and 5.00 per adult.
Community Outreach Activities
A series of entertaining seminars have been prepared by Maestro Salesky to inform adults about the magic of opera and are available to community groups or organizations. Interactive in format, topics include everything from an explanation of the most popular operas to a behind-the-scenes look at a production. Even a humorous lecture celebrating the best or the worst of opera can be an evening’s topic.
Contact Information
For questions or scheduling regarding the youth programs or to support our educational and outreach efforts as a donor or volunteer please contact:
Angela Masini
Vice-President of Education
Knoxville Opera Guild
Phone: 865-588-1923 extension 251
e-mail: masini@bellsouth.net
For Knoxville Opera adult programs, please call 865-524-0795, extension 25.
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