One recent morning, Classes 2 and 3 filed into the Assembly Room, buzzing with excitement. “Let’s get into audience mode,” reminded Lower School Head Thérèse Cruite from her place in front of the podium. The students tucked their legs into a crisscross position and quietly awaited the introduction of their guests.
“Good morning!” said a woman emerging from behind the curtains. “My name is Stephanie Izzo and I’m from the MET Opera Guild.” She told the students that they were in for a special treat – an opera performance created specifically for school children in their age group.
When asked if anyone had been to an opera before, several students raised their hands. “Wonderful! I love opera because it is such an exaggerated art form. Everything is larger than life.” She stressed that the performers would not be using any microphones, simply their own bodies to project their voices.
Ms. Izzo also introduced phrases that “professional opera goers” may use at a show. For example, Bravo is used to applaud a solo performed by a male. Brava is used for females and Bravi Tutti means “Good job, everyone!” With that, the show commenced.
Students chanted their newfound words and giggled, and gasped upon hearing the actors' captivating voices. During the final few moments, a scene depicted one actor who was in search of “the lost princess.” The actor traipsed into the audience, scanning the children and teachers’ faces, when, at last, the “princess” was found!
Taking the hand of Class 2 teacher Courtney Screen, the actor led her up the steps and onto the stage beside the group. With huge smiles, the students cheered boisterously – her current second grade class chanting particularly loudly.
“Who knew the princess had been right here at The Chapin School!” said the actor before delving into another brilliant aria.
Throughout the show, students enjoyed song renditions from several famous operas including Hansel & Gretel (E. Humperdinck), The Magic Flute (W.A. Mozart), Carmen (G. Bizet) and Riogletto (G. Verdi) just to name a few! The end of the act was met with an abundance of applause.
After taking a bow, each ensemble member offered a quick introduction. They included: Melanie Spector, soprano; Melisa Bonetti, mezzo soprano; Joseph Michael Brent, tenor; and Young Kwang Yoo, baritone; with Eric Sedgwick accompanying on piano.
“We have a few moments for a Q&A,” said Ms. Cruite once the applause had ceased. “Let’s take one question from each class.”
To kick off the discussion, one second grader asked how long each ensemble member had been singing. They all shared that they began singing since they were the students’ age – or younger – but had honed in on opera in their late teens or early twenties.
“Why did you choose opera over regular singing?” wondered a member of Class 3.
Mr. Kwang Yoo shared that his father loved the opera, so he grew up immersed in the music. Ms. Spector, too, had been exposed to it thanks to her parents’ admiration for theater.
“I’m not as good at singing, my throat loves opera and musical theater!” Mr. Brent said.
Ms. Bonetti nodded, saying, “Opera just fit my voice, but I sing all different genres as well.”
“Opera incorporates so many elements,” said Ms. Izzo. “There’s singing, dancing, acting, stage production and more!”
When asked what the hardest parts of singing opera are, Ms. Spector shared that, as a soprano, sometimes, hitting the notes in a really high octave can be difficult. “It takes a really long time to train,” she said before comparing opera singers to marathon runners.
Lastly, one student asked the actors to share their favorite part about performing opera. Ms. Spector began, saying, “I love to play characters who are the opposite of who you are in real life. I’m not as mean as the queen of the night!” (Referring to her character from The Magic Flute.)
“It takes the stress away from everyday life,” Mr. Brent said.
“Opera is comical!” offered Ms. Bonetti. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
As their time together came to an end, Ms. Izzo thanked the students for being such a fabulous, engaged audience. Bidding farewell, she said, “I hope to see you at the opera soon!”
