Making Friends, Memories, and an Original Opera
Looking back on the 2024 Opera Summer Camp at Vancouver Opera.
This summer saw another wonderful group of young students create an original opera in just four days. Designed for children and youth with a passion for music and theatre, our camp provides an unparalleled journey through the captivating world of opera production. From the magical first note to the final curtain call, campers explore every facet of creating an opera masterpiece.
This year, at Vancouver Opera’s Opera Summer Camp, 19 students channeled their imaginations and creativity to adapt Oliver Jeffers’ The Great Paper Caper into operatic form. The camp ran from July 15th to 19th, and finished with a dazzling performance of the original opera in front of family and friends.
Camp photography by Yazmín Vázquez.
Holly Collis Handford, Teaching Artist:
“The Great Paper Caper was another hugely successful original opera! This summer’s Opera Camp was an absolute delight filled with enthusiastic students brimming with potential. As the camp’s composer, it is my privilege to lead a composing workshop and listen to original melody ideas from every student. Those ideas are then woven together into two original arias created entirely from students’ musical compositions.
“Encouraging young artists to create their own songs and stories is so important and something I am very proud to be able to do in this program. Opera Camp makes opera as an art form accessible and joyful while allowing participants to take on the roles of performers, lyricists, composers, writers, dramaturgs, musicians, set builders, artists, and more all in one delightful week. I look forward to seeing what we put together next year!”
Eve-Lyn de la Haye, Senior Teaching Artist:
“Opera is story-telling at it’s most grand and is a perfect vehicle for the imaginations of children. Vancouver Opera’s one-of-a-kind Opera Camp uses music, drama, and art to empower students with self-confidence and build skills through cooperation and collaboration with their peers. Children need to believe in their creative ideas and develop the courage to express them in front of others. Students communicate characters and emotions through music and drama which builds trust and self-confidence. These skills are required not just for the stage – but for life!
“In this week-long program, students are immersed in creating all elements of opera from creative writing, composing, singing, acting, directing, costuming, and even painting sets. It’s a chance for kids to try on different creative ‘hats’ in a fun and positive space. This year we took on the detective story of The Great Paper Caper by beloved children’s author Oliver Jeffers. The students enjoyed capturing the personalities of the different animal characters and building a giant paper airplane for the final scene!
“We had 19 students in Opera Camp this year between the ages of 9 - 16. This diverse age range allows returning older students to become Teen Camp Assistants and help support the new students. All ages worked beautifully together, and I witnessed them problem-solving in respectful and inclusive ways. Our primary focus is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for these kids. No matter what their musical background or experience, there is something for everyone at Opera Camp!
“As a teacher and mother, this work is important to me because I see first-hand the impact it makes when a nurturing space is provided for children to create and to grow. They cherish the opportunity to expand their musical horizons, social circles, and take on new artistic responsibilities. It is truly inspiring to witness these transformations and proves the necessity of providing these children’s programs at Vancouver Opera, fostering the next generation of opera-lovers!”
Channeling Creativity
During the four-day journey, students harnessed their creativity to explore every aspect of opera production. Together they transformed a book into a libretto, composed an expressive score, designed imaginative scenes, and delivered a wonderous performance.
A Collaborative Effort
For both first-time-campers and returning-campers, the camp community is the perfect environment to form friendships, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.
Fun and Games
To give the creative-side of the brain a rest, and to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, the students held a “cup ball” torunament throughout the week. The tournament culminated on the final day with trophies awarded and frozen treats for all!
At Vancouver Opera's Summer Camp, we believe in nurturing creativity, encouraging exploration, and celebrating individuality. Whether your child is a budding composer, a creative writer, or an aspiring performer, our camp offers a rich, supportive environment to explore their talents and passions. Be sure to visit VancouverOpera.ca for more information on Opera Summer Camp and to explore more learning opportunities.
2024 Opera Summer Camp
Teaching Artists:
Eve-Lyn de la Haye
Holly Collis Handford
Program Assistant:
Shara Schultz
Photography:
Yazmín Vázquez
Students:
Olivia Begg
Kona Cameron
Emerald Chen
Claire O’Donnell
Clara Griesdale
Elle Hanson
Leila Krische
Charlotte Lau
Marlowe MacLennan
Esmee MacLennan
Claire Nipkow
Sofia Scaglione
Imigin Schultz
Nora Schultz
Rachel Tara Shakya
Michael Werner
Natalie Werner
Raphael Yuen
Thea Yuen
