Opera is real kids’ stuff

AN OPERA with a difference treated families to top trippity-trop performances at the Kooweerup Community Centre last week.
The Opera School Melbourne wowed crowds with their interpretation of fairy tale The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Narre Warren North performer Stacey Alleaume starred in the 45-minute performance Figatroll, which attracted about 130 people on Thursday and Friday.
Figatroll is an introduction to opera for school-age children, appealing to audiences of all ages.
It is based on music by popular opera composer Gioacchino Rossinie, familiar tunes from Bugs Bunny cartoons and television advertisements.
Event co-ordinator Catherine Manning said she was pleased with the response to the opera group.
“There was a lot of interest – everyone loved it,” she said.
“The kids of today are the opera audience of tomorrow. We have to engage with them now so there is an audience for opera and all kinds of cultural activities.”
Mrs Manning said the opera school was looking to perform in the shire again next school holidays. She said it was also keen to take Figatroll, or any of the group’s other operas, to schools in the area.
For details call Ms Manning on 0458 668 424 or email events@theoperaschool.com.au