Opera Singer Entertains with Music From Other Cultures

Who would have thought opera could be so much fun?

Last Tuesday, soprano Janice Bouchet gave two energetic performances for our upper and lower school students.

No stuffy Brunhilda she! She flitted back and forth with wide smiles explaining - often in song - that words from other languages are the ancestors of our language. Using the musical traditions of France, Italy and Germany in a fun and interactive format, Janice explores the origins of words of the English language through opera. Her performance highlighted educational topics while introducing students to the artistry and talent of a professional artist.

Students from the lower school were enthralled with her quick costume changes and high Cs. Hands waved furiously whenever she asked for volunteers. Students participated in scenes from The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, and Hansel and Gretel. They were even costumed, and coached in either French, German or Italian on the line they were to sing!

Ms. Bouchet brought a wonderfully educational and entertaining repertoire to our students that opened their ears and their minds to this music genre.