Education

MetroPelican Opera, the education/outreach wing of the New Orleans Opera Association, was founded in 1988 by Arthur Cosenza. He chose Metro to represent the 7-parish population base of New Orleans, and Pelican for the state bird. MetroPelican has subsequently toured throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

MetroPelican intruduces students to the opera with in-school programming and free Student Previews.

Call Carol Rausch, New Orleans Opera Director of Education, at 504-529-2278, ex. 222, or e-mail her at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book any of the three programs listed below at your school, church or community center. You may also contact Young Audiences at 504-523-3525.

2010-2011 MetroPelican prices, grade levels and availabilities are subject to change

• View a video sample of MetroPelican by Young Audiences/Arts for Learning.
• Read a letter of appreciation for our programming from a local teacher.

In-school Programming

Opera a la Carte

September 2010 through May 2011 - bookings dependent on artists’ availability
Two singer/actors invite students to join them onstage during our lively 40-minute journey through opera’s “greatest hits.” Using famous excerpts from The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Hansel and Gretel, Il Trovatore and The Magic Flute, we explore the history of opera, foreign language terms and even career opportunities. Best of all, MetroPelican’s most popular offering proves that opera can be FUN!
Grades pre-K – 5
$305 single

Hansel and Gretel

September 2010 through May 2011 - bookings dependent on artists’ availability
Our delightful 45-minute version of this classic favorite has already introduced thousands of children to opera and continues to enchant new audiences. The fully staged and costumed reenactment of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale is perfect for the holidays or any other time of the year.
Grades pre-K – 5/Family groups
$480 single

A Celebration in Song

February 2011 (Black History Month) primarily, but available September 2010 through May 2011 - bookings dependent on artists’ availability
This engaging program is designed to coordinate with Black History Month. All ages will delight in the kaleidoscope of African songs, storytelling, poetry, spirituals and selections from both the Broadway stage and opera.
Grades pre-K – 12/Adults
$275 single

Student Preview

After experiencing MetroPelican performances at your school plan to attend a complete opera during our exciting 2010-2011 season. Student Groups are invited to attend our "Preview Performances" - the final dress rehearsal of each opera - FREE OF CHARGE! Choose one or all four of the operas, which are at The Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.

For K-12 groups, the suggested ratio of students to teachers is 10/1, to comply with the wishes of our generous patrons. Please note that all productions will feature English supertitles (translations) projected on a screen above the stage, so the action of the opera can be understood at all times.

The Gershwins® Porgy and Bess℠
by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 7pm
Bursting with some of the best melodies Gershwin ever penned – “Summertime,” “A Woman Is A Sometime Thing,” “I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin,’” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” – this opera depicts a world not unlike that of New Orleans. The citizens of Catfish Row battle poverty, sickness, drugs, crime and hurricanes, and yet triumph through their faith, their sense of community and their love of life. Don’t miss our colorful season opener, starring Gordon Hawkins and Lisa Daltirus.

Mozart's The Magic Flute
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7pm
One of Mozart’s last works, and certainly one of his greatest, this is a wondrous fairy tale for all ages – an exploration of the strength and frailty of both men and gods that is profound but charming, serious and yet often comic. Eventually the powers of Truth and Light conquer the forces of Superstition and Darkness, and everyone “lives happily ever after.” Not seen in our theater since 1997, our Magic Flute is a new production which features scenic designs by renowned local artist Tim Trappolin.

Bizet's The Pearl Fishers
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 7pm
Set in exotic Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), this opera by the composer of Carmen boasts one of the most famous and beautiful duets in the repertoire. Two men renew their vows of friendship, even though both have fallen in love with the same woman. In the end, one man will make the ultimate sacrifice for the other. Bizet’s rarely heard work showcases the talents of two native New Orleanians enjoying major careers – tenor Bryan Hymel and soprano Lisette Oropesa.

Verdi's Il Trovatore
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 7pm
This perennial Verdi favorite has persevered on stages the world over, despite having one of the most convoluted plots in all of opera! Music reigns supreme here, with virtuoso arias, bracing and heartfelt duets and trios, and of course the celebrated “Anvil Chorus.” Our final offering of the season returns after an absence of 15 years, starring soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams and baritone Mark Rucker (paired in last season’s Tosca) and mezzo-soprano Irina Mishura.