Jack and the Beanstalk: An Opera Education Program With Class
Touring program will bring opera to thousands of local and regional students
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin—January 26, 2010—The Florentine Opera Company will once again present a touring opera education program designed to introduce students in K4 through fifth grade to the opera art form during Winter 2010. Jack and the Beanstalk tells the classic tale of Jack, a young boy living in poverty who sells the family cow to a mysterious dustman for a handful of magic beans. When the a giant beanstalk grows outside his window, hilarity and adventure ensue as Jack climbs to the top, encounters a host of magical characters and learns the importance of treating others as they would want to be treated. Adapted and written by renowned arts educator John Davies and sung in English, this engaging 45-minute performance is set to the music of the beloved operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan.
The Florentine Opera provides teachers with resources to enhance student’s learning experience through supplementary opera and music education materials, and by connecting the program to Wisconsin Academic Standards. Using visual, aural and action methods, Jack and the Beanstalk exposes students to opera in a multi-disciplinary format.
Additionally, students receive the developmental benefits of arts education, such as expanded abstract thinking and problem solving abilities, increased interest in self-expression, and a venue to enhance self-discipline, communication skills, perseverance and leadership.
Jack and the Beanstalk will tour local and regional schools and public community venues beginning January 18, 2010. It features the vocal talents of the 2009-2010 Florentine Opera Studio Artists. Resident artists Sarah Lewis Jones (soprano), Julia Elise Hardin (mezzo soprano), Aaron Blankfield (tenor) and Scott Johnson (baritone), along with local pianist Anne Van Deusen, will portray the beloved characters in this well-known story and facilitate a question and answer session with audiences, designed to give children access to a behind-the-scenes perspective and further their knowledge of opera and the performing arts.
Read a complete list of public performances of Jack and the Beanstalk.
ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
The Florentine Opera Company’s Education Department programming reaches a broad spectrum of individuals throughout Metro Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Last year alone, over 12,000 students and individuals benefited from Florentine Opera Education programs at more than 70 performances of our children’s opera and other in-school program. The Company provides a vital addition to local arts education – both in the classroom and on the stage—and the Florentine’s Education Department is committed to providing all students with a complete opera curriculum.
ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA STUDIO ARTISTS:
The Florentine Opera Studio offers a full season of artist-in-residence employment for talented singers beginning their professional careers. From October through April, the Florentine Opera Studio program grants promising young singers experience and training in order to grow professionally in the opera art form. Studio artists will sing supporting and comprimario roles during the opera season while serving the mainstage, educational and outreach goals of the Florentine Opera Company. Additionally, artists will perform studio concerts, as well as for donor functions, outreach and education initiatives and the Florentine’s in-school touring opera program, as well as the opportunity to gain continuing training and career advice through masterclasses and coachings with visiting artists and master teachers. The 2009-2010 season artists are: Sarah Lewis Jones (soprano), Julia Elise Hardin (mezzo soprano), Aaron Blankfield (tenor) and
Scott Johnson (baritone).