Opera for Kids!? You Bet!

For most kids and even some adults, their exposure to opera is limited to Bugs Bunny, hopping around singing, “Kill the ‘wabbit!” to the tune of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries.” But there’s so much more to appreciate about this classic art form. That’s why noted stage director Sharon Mohar decided to create a program to help the young and young at heart experience opera in an engaging, age-appropriate format. On July 26, Mohar will direct, “Who’s Afraid of Opera!?”— an engaging, bite-sized introduction to opera for pint-sized patrons at Dreamscapes Performing Arts Center in Sterling, Virginia.

“Who’s Afraid of Opera?!” was also written by Sharon Mohar, whose work introducing opera to young audiences has become a hallmark of her career in France. For more than a decade, she has created acclaimed family productions around the great operatic masterpieces, developing long-running series that have introduced hundreds of children to opera for the very first time.

This family production is part of Canto Vocal Programs’ Midsummer Opera Dream Festival, for which Mohar also serves as artistic director. Through four weeks of training, performances and more, young singers from around the world will hone their craft thanks to guidance from some of the world’s best artists.

“One of my greatest joys has been watching young audiences grow up alongside these productions. Children who first attended at the age of 3 or 4 returned year after year, eventually humming Mozart, Rossini, Bizet and Offenbach at home and discovering that opera had become a natural part of their world,” shares Mohar. “This philosophy lies at the heart of Canto’s family program: to offer children an artistic experience that speaks to them with honesty, imagination and respect — creating memories that can inspire a lifelong love of music and the arts.”

Washington Family caught up with Sharon Mohar for an interview about this delightful program. Read on to learn more!

Tell us about this program — what will families see and hear?

“Who’s Afraid of Opera?!” is a joyful, interactive introduction to opera designed especially for families. Children and parents will meet unforgettable characters — heroes and villains— and discover beautiful music from some of opera’s greatest masterpieces. Through storytelling, humor, audience participation and live singing by the Canto artists, the show transforms opera into an exciting adventure where everyone is invited to imagine, laugh and discover. No previous experience with opera is needed — just curiosity!

Why is it important for young audiences to learn about opera?

Opera is far more modern and relevant than many people imagine. At its heart, it tells universal stories about love, friendship, courage, jealousy, hope, family and identity — the same emotions and questions that speak to us today.

Introducing children to opera isn’t just about discovering a new art form; it’s about helping them connect with stories, emotions and cultures beyond their own. The children in our audience today are the audiences, artists and supporters of tomorrow. If we want the arts to continue to thrive, we have to invite young people into them from an early age.

Above all, culture is one of the few things that truly brings people together. Music has the unique ability to cross languages, generations and backgrounds, reminding us of what we all share. We hope every child leaves our performance feeling that opera belongs to them, too.

What is your favorite part of this program?

My favorite part is watching children’s faces light up when they realize that opera is actually fun. There is always a magical moment when they stop wondering what opera is and simply becoming part of the story.

“Who’s Afraid of Opera?!” is an interactive and intuitive performance that speaks to children at eye level — never talking down to them. It invites them to react naturally, to laugh, ask questions, imagine and become active participants in the experience, while preserving the poetry, beauty and emotional depth of the music. We don’t simplify opera; we open the door to it.

Seeing children respond so spontaneously, and leave humming the music with a sense of wonder, reminds us why sharing opera with young audiences is so important.

For children who like to sing, what advice do you have for them and their parents to foster their love of music?

The most important thing is to keep singing because it brings joy and liberation. Sing at home, in the car, in a choir or at school — every opportunity helps. Listen to many different kinds of music and don’t be afraid to perform for family and friends.

For parents, the greatest gift is encouragement. Expose your children to the arts from an early age — not only music, but also dance, theater, museums and exhibitions. Every artistic experience helps nurture their imagination, curiosity and sensitivity.

Art is a mirror of life. It enriches us on so many levels, helping us better understand ourselves and the world around us. There is no minimum age to experience its beauty and its power. The earlier children discover the arts, the more naturally they become a meaningful part of their lives.

Great musicians — and great audiences — aren’t created overnight. They grow through play, discovery, curiosity and a lifelong love of music and the arts.

Don’t miss it!

For tickets to “Who’s Afraid of Opera!?” (11:30 a.m.-12:30 P.M. July 26, Dreamscapes Performing Arts Center – 21014 Whitfield Place, Sterling, VA, 20165) or the Midsummer Opera Dream Festival, visit Canto-Vocal.org.