Opera music — yes, opera — is hitting a high note with kids. A dozen students, ranging in age from 6 to 11, recently participated in the third annual "Behind the Velvet Curtain: Opera Workshop for Children."
The weeklong, half-days program has been offered through a cultural collaborative between Berkshire Music School, Berkshire Opera Company, Berkshire Museum and The Colonial Theatre.
"Some of the kids come in and think 'Oh, opera's so boring,' " said Carolina Carry.
She and Pam Koehler co-founded an educational initiative called d'Arte a Musica, through which the opera program is coordinated and presented. In total, the camp cost $180 to attend activities and a show.
The two instructors said the children's attitudes toward the art form soon change after the camp begins.
"I didn't use to like it when I was little, but now that I've been to camp, it's pretty fun," said Michela Laurin, 81/2, of Pittsfield.
"It's more than just songs," noted Michaelangelo Lorsardo, 8, of Pittsfield.
Each year, the camp focuses on a Berkshire Opera production; this year it was Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" (Marriage of Figaro).
Carry said that the program aims to have the children explore opera in three parts: music, theater and art/technical design.
The children were given song books to learn the music and lyrics in both English and Italian, for this
Through meeting with local professional actors, musicians and stage producers, the group created their own miniature sets, characters and costumes. Later in the week, they focused on learning arias and acting out scenes from Figaro.
"Opera is a little bit like fairy tales. (The children) get to work out their own personal dramas," said Carry. "There's something magical about it."
Yesterday, they finished the program with a behind the scenes tour of The Colonial, where the opera is being staged. They performed their own matinee opera for their families.
Pam Koehler hopes the program gives the youngsters a better knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts.
"It enriches their lives," she said, "and by breaking it down into different parts, it makes it more accessible."
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