Smiles were glowing on each child in attendance, parents and children together, clapping and acting along. They were learning new words, new composers and new history through opera. Bright lights didn’t seem to bug the young actors as they helped act out famous opera scenes with the professional opera singers.
The auditorium was filled with children of all ages. New born babies, toddlers, and some pre- teens were accompanied by their parents and grandparents. The “Eureka” performance, put on by the Central City Opera did an amazing job at engaging all audience members with their knowledgeable performance of what opera really is.
They informed us that Eureka means “discover!” What can we all discover through opera? Opera is about story telling through music. And that’s just what these performers did.
Grabbing volunteers from the audience to help tell these stories of all kinds. Parents were engaging as they helped their children clap to the right beat, march to the beat of the drum, and even learn to beat box! Children were able to dress up, and get a little taste of what acting and opera singing is like.
Although the atmosphere was a professional setting, this was truly an environment where families are welcome. The actors were not bothered by children crying in the auditorium, or mothers needing to leave quickly to feed their newborn. They kept singing and smiling through it all, almost un-phased by any of it.
The Central City Opera is located in Central City, Colorado and is the nation’s fifth oldest opera house. CCO has more events throughout the year that are sure to engage families no matter the age. So go discover and learn to love the opera, just as these children have themselves.
Tickets for upcoming shows and events are available on their website: Central City Opera.
