OPERA PACIFIC FAMILY OPERA

The Star Child

American and English premiere

Performed by Opera Camp students ages 8-18

By Hans-André Stamm

Based on the story by Oscar Wilde

NOW OFFERING FOUR PERFORMANCES

AUGUST 10 at 7pm, 11 at 2pm and 7pm, and 12 at 2pm

at the Claire Trevor Theatre, University of California, Irvine

Opera Pacific’s 2007 Family Opera performances of The Star Child take place August 10, 11, and 12 at the Claire Trevor Theatre on the campus of the University of California, Irvine. These performances will mark the American and English premiere of the opera. The Star Child is performed by Opera Camp students ages 8-18.

Local designers professionally create Opera Pacific’s Family Opera productions. The Star Child has costumes by Kevin Bennett, sets by Keith Bangs, and lighting by Burt Carlson. Master Classes will be taught by Nicola Bowie, who will also be Director of Opera Pacific’s “Opera Under the Stars” performance in September, and award-winning Bolivian-American soprano Lynette Tapia. Director of the camp and production in Andrew Nienaber, Opera Pacific’s main stage production Assistant Director.

This summer’s Family Opera production is The Star Child, based on one of the most popular fairy tales by Oscar Wilde. This adapted opera tells the story of the Star Child who appears to have fallen from the heavens as a shooting star and goes on a fantastic journey to overcome personal pride and learn generosity and self-sacrifice. The Star Child faces the consequences of selfishness in a world torn between beauty and ugliness, and grows to learn the value of life and love. Acceptable for all ages.

Opera Pacific’s Opera Camp is a three-and-a-half-week opera-training program for young singers seeking additional training and experience in a fun and energetic summer camp. The program includes daily course work in all facets of opera performance and production, as well as rehearsals for a fully staged opera production presented at the end of camp.

“My daughter was privileged to be in your opera camp in 2005 and this year [2006]. I was personally quite involved as well. It was absolutely a wonderful experience for her (and me!). The quality of the performance was extraordinary. Every kid seemed to be having a wonderful time while producing excellent work”, said Jeff Masonek, Opera Camp parent.

Opera Camp is one of seven education programs produced by Opera Pacific, and the first program of its kind in Southern California. Every year it has provided 40-45 children aged 8-18 years with hands-on training from professionals in the many aspects of opera performance. Children are selected by audition, and talented children whose parents are unable to pay the tuition are eligible for full or partial scholarship. The children receive three weeks of intensive training, and on the final weekend they present their opera for children from local schools, families and friends, and the public.

The curriculum is comprehensive. In addition to training in singing, acting and dance, the children also learn about choreography, set building, lighting, and costume design. Equally important, children from financially, culturally, and ethnically diverse backgrounds work together and learn the value of teamwork. As part of a creative team, they cooperate at all stages of making their opera a reality.

Opera Pacific works closely with regional school districts, and since the program’s inception in 1999, two hundred children have participated in Opera Camp. The camp experience dramatically influences the lives of these youths. Many have come back every year since the program’s inception. Several have later performed in the Children’s Chorus with Opera Pacific in mainstage productions, and several have pursued music as a career, studying at such notable music schools as Julliard, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Eastman School of Music.

The camp participants will begin their instruction and rehearsal process on July 18, working weekdays in preparation for their performances of The Star Child on August 10, 11 and 12, 2007, at the Claire Trevor Theatre on the campus of the University of California, Irvine.

For tickets call 1 800 34 OPERA or visit www.operapacific.org.

About Opera Pacific

Opera Pacific has established itself as one of the finest professional opera companies in the nation. Opera Pacific's mainstage productions, extensive community outreach programs, and energetic Guild Alliance combine to create a cultural resource for all of Southern California. An audience of more than 670,000 have enjoyed Opera Pacific's productions at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, while over 575,000 young people have discovered the world of opera through the company's in-school presentations, Student Previews, and nationally recognized Opera Camps.

OPERA PACIFIC’S 22nd Season (2007-2008) begins with Puccini’s La Bohème, October 24, 28, November 1, 3, 2007, followed by Mozart’s The Magic Flute, January 23, 27, 31, February 2, 2008, and Floyd’s Susannah, May 14, 18, 22, 24, 2008. All performances are in Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.