Operas For Our Children

Introducing children to music at an early age is important. They know nothing of the world and must be taught. They soak up everything they experience and learn to appreciate things adults never consider. Hearing music is important to childhood development in the arts. One form of music most parents neglect is the opera. They believe it is too intense for children. While this is true of many traditional operas, it is not true of modern operas written specifically for children. They are often favorite stories of children that have been translated into the musical format of opera. Many are the same stories children have been watching on television for years.

Most operas for children are classic tales from nursery rhymes and stories. Often, Christmas stories are the basis of these operas. The music is toned down to a level that is not too emotionally overwhelming for children. Where an adult opera may have a frightening blare of trumpets, a children’s opera will contain the smooth sounds of the saxophone player.

Children should experience music as early as possible. If exposed to it early, they will develop a lifelong appreciation for the styles of music they have learned to love as small children. Even older children can gain benefits from attending the opera. A ten-year-old might be fascinated by the stage performance or even the singers. The engaging sounds of an electric violinist might attract their attention.

Exposing children to opera at a young age is encouraged by opera companies all over the world. A young child is the perfect audience for future opera performances. Opera house managers work hard to satisfy all their customers, young and old alike. More opera houses are beginning to recognize the concern of parents and are adding more performances of children’s operas for their new audiences.