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

2011-2012 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

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.

Opera a la Carte

September 2011 through May 2012 - 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 2011 through May 2012 - 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 2012 (Black History Month) primarily, but available September 2011 through May 2012 - 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 2011-201 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 (*Turandot will be performed at The New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center).

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.

Call John Fink, Box Office Manager & Education Coordinator at 504-529-3000 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to bring a student group to a Preview Performance.

Giacomo Puccini's Turandot
Wednesday, October 14, 2011 at 7pm
(*Please Note: Turandot will be performed at the New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center)
All men desire her to the point of being willing to die for her--but three riddles stand in the way of their melting her icy heart. Puccini's final masterpiece, the legendary fable of the blood-thirsty princess Turandot, will be presented in a very special semi-staged gala performance. Among its glorious choruses and sumptuous musical treasures is the stunningly beautiful aria "Nessun dorma." Last seen locally in The Flying Dutchman, Lise Lindstrom, now considered "THE Turandot of our time" (Opera News), returns to thrill audiences as she brings to life the role of the icy Chinese Princess.

Giuseppe Verdi's A Masked Ball (Un Ballo in Maschera)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 7pm
Giuseppe Verdi--composer of La Traviata and Aida--breathes life into this tragic tale of a mistaken love triangle that turns deadly when a jealous husband misinterprets the relationship between his wife and the King! Our special New Orleans staging of this thrilling story of conspiracy and secrecy reaches its tragic conclusion at a Mardi Gras ball. Verdi's great musical drama features rousing chorus, powerful arias, and thrilling ensembles--everything one expects from one of opera's most brilliant composers.

Richard Strauss' Salome
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7pm
The Biblical story of King Herod's obsession with his wildly temperamental step-daughter unfolds before your eyes, especially when the lecherous monarch is forced to grant Salome's special demand for payment for her performance of the famous Dance of the Seven Veils--the head of John the Baptist on a platter! More than a century after its premiere, Richard Strauss' fantastic setting of the celebrated Oscar Wilde play still has the power to both shock and thrill audiences.

Ruggero Leoncavallo's Pagliacci and Carl Orff's Carmina Burana
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7pm
This very special double-bill begins with Pagliacci (The Clowns), one of opera's most powerful stories of overwhelming jealousy and its lethal passion, which features the heartbreaking aria "Vesti la giubba." Our special pairing will conclude with Orff's celebration of life--Carmina Burana, featuring the award-winning New Orleans Ballet Theatre (2010 Big Easy awards for "Best Contemporary Choreography" and "Best Classical performance") dancing to this powerfully rhythmic and passionate music. The combined choral forces of the New Orleans Opera Chorus, Loyola University Chorus, and the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale (NOVA) will join to make this Carmina Burana unlike any one you have ever seen!