By Isidora Rajsic
Forget Barney and Elmo! Kids might soon become enthralled with some performers of a very different kind.
Opera Lyra Ottawa, the city’s opera company, has joined forces with the National Gallery of Canada in a collaborative effort to unite the wonders of visual and performing arts into a fun-filled package geared towards children under 12 years of age.
“We wanted to offer the kids something that was a little bit different and expose them to opera, while in conjunction with visual arts,” says Laïla-Gabrielle Côté, an Opera Lyra spokesperson.
The title of this refreshing amalgamation is Draw Me an Opera, set to be held at the National Gallery this Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m.
Admission is free and all materials needed for participation in the hands-on activities will be provided.
The event aims to induce a flourish of creativity among youth, and it starts with an escorted tour of the National Gallery.
Following the tour, the participants will have a chance to produce their own works of art, with their creative spirits expected to be fuelled by accompanying performances featuring costume-clad entertainers.
The entertainers scheduled are singers from Opera Lyra’s two recent productions, The Magic Flute and Gisela in her Bathtub.
Parents and other family members who plan to accompany their little ones are encouraged to participate and help the youngsters in their exploration of creativity.
Sylvie Lalonde and her daughter were visitors at the National Gallery on Jan. 13.
Although she admits she is not a big fan of opera herself, Lalonde welcomes the idea behind the event and will gladly bring her four-year-old daughter on Saturday.
“I think this would definitely appeal to children – the theatrical aspect of costumes is sure to keep them interested,” she says.
Another parent at the gallery, Sherry Stafford, says her three-year-old son Liam has just entered his “crafty stage.”
“I like painting, Play-Doh and gluing,” adds Liam.
Stafford says she thinks it is never too early to expose children to different types of art.
“It’s a great idea — my son is very much into crafts of all kinds and we’re always looking for different opportunities like that,” she says.
Ysabel Jetté, studio educator at the National Gallery of Canada, says the magical theme of Draw Me an Opera will enable the kids to go beyond just seeing the artwork. Now they can also experience it through their other senses.
“We want (them) to feel the music in the artwork and enjoy a musical trip as they view the collection of the gallery,” she says.
Depending on the weather and the success of advertising, the number of expected participants is anywhere between 2,000 and 2,500, Jetté adds.
She expects Draw Me an Opera will be “an exciting time where another dimension of art will be explored.”