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by Hans Krása
Director: Doug Scholz-Carlson
Music Director: Greg Ritchey
Set and Videography Designer: Wendall Harrington
PERFORMANCES:
Presented in partnership with CHARACTERplus.
Visit their website at www.characterplus.org.
Presenters include Diane McCullough, Diane Stirling, and Amy Stricker.
Download the 2009 Brundibár Study Guide here:
http://www.opera-stl.org/Education/Brundibar%20Study%20Guide.pdf
To accompany the study guide, we are offering interactive files.
Opera Jeopardy Game (PowerPoint file)
http://www.opera-stl.org/Education/Opera%20Jeopardy%20Game.ppt
Instrument Sound Bytes
http://www.opera-stl.org/Education/Brundibar%20Study%20Guide%20Sound%20Bytes.zip
Instrument Images
http://www.opera-stl.org/Education/Brundibar%20Study%20Guide%20Images.zip
To open the sound bytes and images, you will need to use an archiving program. If you do not have a program, such as WinZip or 7-zip, one can be dowloaded at www.7-zip.org or www.winzip.com.
Questions or problems with downloading the Study Guide? Call (314) 963-4251 or email 251@opera-stl.org
Brundibár was written in 1938-39 by Czech composer Hans Krása. The opera is performed by an all children=s cast and is a classic tale of good overcoming evil. Brundibár received much attention during World War II as it became the single most performed work in the Nazi occupied ghetto Theresienstadt. Located in Czechoslovakia, Theresienstadt was the camp where thousands of children and adults who were musicians, artists, writers or poets were sent before their fatal transport to Auschwitz.
The story features two children, Aninka and Pepicek, who have a sick mother who needs milk to get better. They do not have money to buy it, so they decide to imitate the organ-grinder, Brundibár, and raise the necessary funds by singing just as he does. Other children join them in forming a chorus and singing a beautiful lullaby. They are then rewarded with generous donations from the neighborhood.
Last presented by Opera Theatre in 1997, a new production of Brundibár will incorporate video designed by renowned video artist Wendall Harrington, who helped create Opera Theatre’s ground-breaking production of Nixon in China in 2004. Members of the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra will accompany the production.
Ela Weissberger, who appeared in the opera’s original production in Theresienstadt, will join the St. Louis cast and will share her story along with a question and answer session after each performance. Ms. Weissberger’s message is one of forgiveness and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
Opera Theatre's 2009 production of Brundibár is made possible with a generous leadership gift from Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank Trustee and generous support from The Staenberg Family Foundation in conjunction with THF Realty, Inc., with special thanks to Pi Beta Phi Alumnae of St. Louis and Target.
Young People's Opera Performance History
The Black Spider
by Judith Weir
1993 American Premiere
Brundibár
by Hans Krasa
1997 production
This classic tale of good overcoming evil depicts the struggle of two children and friends who stand up to the evil organ-grinder Brundibár to help their ailing mother.
Dream of the Pacific
libretto by Elkhanah Pulitzer, music by Stephen Mager
2004 World Premiere
Co-commissioned with Opera Omaha.
Commissioned for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and told through the eyes of Sacagawea, this opera tells the story of Lewis and Clark's epic journey westward.
The Enchantment of Dreams
libretto by Michael Patrick Albano
music by Cary John Franklin
2007 production
Co-commissioned with Washington National Opera
This charming work juxtaposes the whimsical and mystical qualities of dreams with the real growth struggles of contemporary children. Go on a magical journey with Talia, Seth and Jasmin as they find the confidence to pursue their dreams.
Joshua’s Boots
libretto by Susan Kander, music by Adolphus Hailstork
1999 World Premiere
Co-commissioned with Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Set in the late 1800's, Joshua's Boots is the story of a black teenager who flees from his home after his father is killed by a lynch mob and battles hardships and prejudice during his transformation into a respected cowboy.
The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County
by Lukas Foss
Based on Mark Twain's comical short story, this opera is set during the California gold rush and tells the tale of "Dan'l Webster," a champion frog who has never lost a jumping contest. |
Laclede’s Landing
libretto and music by James Meyer and fourth grade students at Carmen Trails School
1989 world premiere
Love, Death and High Notes
libretto by Claude White, music by Linda Brovsky
1988 world premiere
The Thunder of Horses
libretto by Michael Patrick Albano
music by Cary John Franklin
1995 world premiere, 1996 & 2001 revivals
The Thunder of Horses is an enchanting tale taken from a Blackfoot Indian legend which tells how the first horses came to North America.
The Very Last Green Thing
libretto by Michael Patrick Albano
music by Cary John Franklin
1992 world premiere, 1995 revival
Set in the year 2192, The Very Last Green Thing depicts a classroom of students who, on a rare field trip outside, discover a time capsule containing something quite unusual -- a small, withering plant.
Professional videos and study guides for most productions are available.
For more information, contact the Education Department at:
(314) 963-4251
251@opera-stl.org |