Opera Lafayette is here for you during this trying time of isolation. While we may be apart, music can bring us together. And so as a response to this pandemic, we present Opera Lafayette OnLine where we will present inspiring, interactive, and informational programming virtually. As always, we remain dedicated to encouraging a public appreciation for historical masterpieces from the 17th through 19th centuries, and so we encourage you to share this free programming with your friends and family around the globe.
Please check back often because this is a dynamic effort and we will be adding programming as we move go. Sign up for our e-newsletter to get updates to your inbox.
Because we know it is a difficult time for everyone, this programming is completely free and open to the public. If you are inspired by our efforts and are able, please consider making a donation to support us during this trying time. Donate here. Thank you!
“OPERA STARTS WITH OH - online”
FAMILY PROGRAM ONLINE
We are bringing our family opera program to you at home. Every Wednesday morning at 10:30am (June 3-July 1), we invite you to join us for a live session of artistic playtime with our teaching and guest artists à la Opera Lafayette! We believe that opera can be for everyone because it combines all the arts and humanities. Opera starts with Oh! unravels these components in fun and informative ways, and Opera becomes magical and approachable! Led by internationally trained director, choreographer, and teaching artist, Emma Jaster (more below), and featuring guest artists, Opera starts with Oh! is perfect for families with children 3 – 6 years old. See full schedule.
And, each week, after the live session we share activities to do at-home to keep you learning and having fun until the next session! Check out past week activities.
+ More about Emma Jaster
Emma is a director, choreographer, and educator. Hailed a “splendid mover” (The Washington Post) and “a master of her craft” (Baratunde Thurston), she has worked for years in theater, dance, opera, and immersive events. She has taught locally at Round House Theater, Imagination Stage, Georgetown U and The Washington Revels and nationally at IDEO, MoMA, Cornell Tech, and UofL. Opera Lafayette credits include La Susanna (Movement Director), Radamisto (Asst Director), and Opera Starts with Oh (Program Developer and Lead Educator). She is the founder and director of the remote artist residency @mamaisamaker. Her recent work on Heartbeat Opera’s virtual soirees was lauded as “taking full advantage of the tiny frames, with choreography that plays with the walls of the grid and the depth of the rooms." (Washington Post)
“Friday Musical Moments”
Every Friday we will share a video excerpt from an Opera Lafayette production with those subscribed to our e-newsletter. By knowing we are all listening to the same piece of music, we hope to cultivate a feeling of togetherness during this time of separation.
"The Leonore SerieS”
FOR EVERYONE
In April and May, Artistic Director, Ryan Brown hosted a weekly series of online programs exploring Gaveaux and Beethoven's Leonore through video recordings of our respective productions and Zoom discussions with guest artists and scholars. While the video excerpts and Zoom discussions are no longer live, you can still watch the recorded discussions, review the libretto excerpts, and purchase the full productions.
“Opera Starts with Oh” Schedule
June 3: It all starts with the story | Story and Characters
Learn about a story brought to life though opera! Become the characters, act out their feelings and create your own story!
June 10: Ting, tong, tang | Music and Instruments
Play along with a classical guitarist! Learn about the instruments of the opera orchestra, hear how music tells a story and build your own box guitar!
June 17: I love to sing | Music and Voice
Hear an opera singer perform for you from his home! Learn how different vocal types play different characters and try out your own operatic voice!
June 24: Collect, create, imagine, make | Production and Design
Discover how to transform regular household items into storytelling tools for infinitely imaginative play with the help of a professional props designer.
July 1: Putting it all together | Movement and Staging
The final piece of operatic storytelling: movement and staging. Create your own characters, dance to the music, and stage your own at-home performance!