Continuing the tradition of bringing the world of opera to students, Opera Mississippi is proud to present this year’s outreach program, available online for access both in the classroom and at home. Produced in partnership with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company (SOMTC) at The University of Southern Mississippi, Billy Goats Gruff debuts today, March 12, 2021 on Opera Mississippi’s website, msopera.org. This fun, 30-minute children’s opera allows audiences the opportunity to watch a classic fairytale story come alive, with an available version incorporating the use of American Sign Language for the hearing impaired, it also uses puppets to teach a powerful lesson.
Featuring the music of Mozart, Donizetti, and Rossini, composer John Davies' operatic adaptation of the classic fairy tale, The Billy Goats Gruff, takes a familiar story and adds a strong anti-bullying message that promotes the power of kindness.
“Elementary school teachers, school administrative leadership, and especially parents should consider this opportunity in letting their students and children see and hear this amusing story,” said Jay Dean, Artistic Director of Opera Mississippi. “This opera, which has been graciously sponsored by the William Herin Foundation, allows young children the opportunity to hear both classic tunes known around the world as well as learning a powerful lesson about bullying.”
Harlan Mapp, SOMTC production manager, is hopeful that because this year’s opera is virtual, it can reach even more students than in years past.
“These student outreach productions are very important, not only to help students hear this worldly music, but also to learn these important lessons that stay with us for the rest of our lives” said Mapp.
Billy Goats Gruff is available for viewing now at operams.org.
For more information on this concert and the rest of the Opera Mississippi season, visit operams.org or call 601.960.2300
ABOUT OPERA MISSISSIPPI
Celebrating their 75th Anniversary, the Mississippi Opera Association, founded in 1945, is a founding member of the national Opera America organization, the ninth oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States, and Mississippi’s only professional opera company. Among the remarkable singers that have graced Opera Mississippi stage, are internationally known Beverly Sills, Monserrat Caballe, Robert Merrill, James McCracken, Roberta Peters, Jan Peerce, Richard Tucker, Normal Treigle, John Alexander, Renée Fleming and many others.
Opera Mississippi’s mission is to provide the community and state with the most dynamic musical stage productions possible. In addition, activities include a variety of educational and community outreach programs including educational performances to students and a variety of other performances for citizens of all ages, including pop, jazz, country, and musical theatre cabarets. The annual John Alexander National Vocal Competition, the only nationally advertised music competition in the state, is designed to recognize and award outstanding vocalists in both opera and musical theatre.
Opera Mississippi is proud to be an integral part of the remarkable artistic heritage that shapes the state, and each year thousands of Mississippians and visitors attend and benefit from our quality performances.