Cincinnati Opera Education Opportunities

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect the community through diverse opera experiences. They seek to use our art form to encourage critical thinking, creative expression, and collaboration, and to inspire everyone to explore their aesthetic appreciation through meaningful experiences with opera. Browse the community education opportunities below.

Programs are designed to be flexible to accommodate various class-room sizes and versatile school schedules.

If you have questions about bringing a Cincinnati Opera Education and Engagement program to your school or community center, please contact education@cincinnatiopera.org or 513-768-5548.

Opera and Oranges

Curriculum Connections: Music, Diversity Awareness, Theater, English/Language Arts

Get ready for a delightful tale and a nourishing treat! Tailored for children from 3 to 6, this program introduces an opera-themed storybook accompanied by a unique musical guest, engaging little ones with an interactive song. Our goal is to foster a passion for both literature and music, and we’ll also bring along a healthy and tasty snack. Cincinnati Opera proudly presents this initiative to bolster the positive influence that music exposure and nutritious eating have on a child’s overall development and well-being. Get ready for a deliciously enjoyable time!

Recommend Grades: Preschool, ages 3-5

Length: 45 minutes

Cost: $275 (includes storybook, interactive song, and fresh fruit)

Additional Same Day Sessions: $50

Maximum Audience Size: 30

Max. # Sessions per Day: 4

Opera Storybook Hour

Curriculum Connections: Music, Diversity Awareness, Theater, English/Language Arts, Visual Arts

Embark on a captivating storytelling journey with Cincinnati Opera! Our engaging program breathes life into opera-inspired stories through the vibrant voices of our skilled artists who read, sing, and play enchanting opera music. Following the story, dive into an enjoyable craft activity. For example, drawing inspiration from The Magic Flute, your group will have the chance to create their very own Papageno and Papagena masks, representing a charming bird-catcher and his bride. Our instructor will also engage students with questions to make sure everyone grasps the story. This experience blends the magic of storytelling, the power of music, and the joy of crafting into an unforgettable adventure of creativity and fun.

Recommend Grades: 3-5

Length: 45 minutes

Cost: $275 (includes live performance, study guide, and craft)

Additional Same Day Sessions: $50

Maximum Audience Size: 30

Max. # Sessions per Day: 4

Behind The Voice

Curriculum Connections: Music, Cultural Connections, Diversity Awareness, Theater

 

Behind the Voice is all about enlightening, motivating, and educating groups about the various aspects of opera-related careers. In this program, a seasoned professional opera singer will take you on a journey through their own personal story and career path. They’ll delve into topics such as education, vocal training, networking, auditions, and performances. Along with their story, the artist will treat students to a selection of musical pieces. The experience will wrap up with a Q&A session. Expect to hear from singers representing diverse cultural backgrounds. This compelling program seeks to inspire and unveil the many paths of career development.

 

Recommend Grades: 4th and Up

Length: 45 minutes

Cost: $700 (includes live performance, artist talkback, and Q&A)

Additional Same Day Sessions: $100

Maximum Audience Size: 150

Max. # Sessions per Day: 2

Cincinnati Opera In Concert

Curriculum Connections: Music, Cultural Connections, Diversity Awareness, Theater

 

Cincinnati Opera is bringing the magic of music to your stage! This concert series is incredibly flexible and can be customized to suit your audience’s specific preferences. Whether you crave beloved opera classics or prefer a captivating blend of Broadway, jazz, and other genres, Cincinnati Opera is your one-stop destination for an electrifying, tailor-made musical experience that’s sure to leave your audience in awe! Perfect for assemblies, field days, block parties, and more! Have young audience members in attendance? Ask about adding a storybook element to the concert!

 

Recommend Grades: 7th and Up

Length: 45 minutes

Cost: $700 (includes live performance, artist talkback, and Q&A)

Additional Same Day Sessions: $100

Maximum Audience Size: 250

Max. # Sessions per Day: 2

Discover the Word of Lalovavi

Curriculum Connections: Music, Cultural Connections, Diversity Awareness, Theater

 

Set in the year 2425, Lalovavi is a breathtaking Afrofuturism opera in three acts that follows the journey of Persephone, the youngest daughter of the Primus of Atlas (formerly Atlanta) Titan Musan. In this world, currency and status are determined by the Syndica gene, which grants longevity. Persephone’s life takes a dramatic turn when it’s discovered she carries a unique gene that could unlock eternal life. Betrayed by her father and forced to flee, Persephone embarks on a heroic adventure that will reveal her true destiny. Her journey is a vibrant tapestry of colors, warrior healers, and a rich spiritual heritage. Persephone’s adventure will leave a lasting impact, sparking curiosity and inspiring a new perspective in students.

 

Join us for a transformative 2–3-day classroom experience for students in grades 7-12, where they’ll dive into the captivating world of Afrofuturism through the Lalovavi libretto. Students will engage in in-depth discussions about the storyline, characters, and themes. Through creative expression, they’ll be inspired to craft their own futuristic stories, drawing on the rich and fantastical elements of the opera. This educational experience will not only captivate their imaginations but also broaden their perspectives on cultural heritage and futuristic storytelling.

 

Recommend Grades: All Ages

Length: 45 minutes – 2 to 5 day residency  

Cost: $1000 

Additional Same Day Sessions: $100

Maximum Audience Size: 75

Max. # Sessions per Day: 3