Opera Australia Schools Program 2016
Since August 2011 the Association of ADFAS has donated $10,000 annually to Opera Australia. We requested the funds be used to benefit children in rural and remote areas, are indigenous or hearing impaired. In 2015 and again in 2016 this will support their Regional Children’s Chorus which performs in both large and small communities throughout much of Australia.
The 2016 Regional Children’s Chorus program gives 24 children aged from 9-14, in each community visited on Opera Australia’s regional tour, the chance to perform as the Chorus in The Marriage of Figaro.
Mozart’s brilliant opera follows the adventures of a household over one crazy day. Masters are lusting over their servants, servants are outwitting their masters — Figaro is the Downton Abbey of opera, but a whole lot more fun!
Amongst the 20 towns on the tour are Albury, Armidale, Canberra, Dubbo, Hobart, Launceston, Orange, Parramatta, and Wagga. To check on the touring timetable for these or to find another at a centre near you, click on Find out
Together with some of Opera Australia’s finest singers, the Children’s Chorus will feel the magic of taking a curtain call and receiving applause from their family and friends in the audience. Through the rehearsal and performance process children also gain a wider understanding of opera, which may spark interest in their future artistic pursuits.
In 2012 the contribution to Opera Australia from the Association of ADFAS assisted in the North Queensland production of the award-winning “Yarrabah the Musical” This told the story of the indigenous Yarrabah people, their cultural background, assimilation and their modern day lives.
ADFAS has also directly supported Opera Australia’s School’s Company Auslan program where children in the audience who are hearing impaired enjoy an Auslan (shadow) interpretation. To enable such performances, the Company works with Deaf Children Australia, and the interpreters are integrated into the onstage action, making it a very special experience for everyone. In 2016 “Hansel and Gretel” will be Auslan interpreted in Schools in NSW, whilst in Victoria the chosen shadow interpreted opera is still to be announced.
For its involvement with Deaf Children Australia and the Auslan project, Opera Australia was the 2013 Victorian nominee for The Creative Partnership Award for Arts Access. The Association of ADFAS was proud to learn of the success of this wonderful initiative.
In recognition of the continuing support from the Association of ADFAS, members are offered, when available, the opportunity to attend Insight Evenings in both Sydney and Melbourne organised by Opera Australia and reduced price tickets to many performances. These Insight Evenings enable members to meet performers back stage following rehearsals. Invitations are forwarded by email to the National Chairman from Opera Australia, and then to members through the Society Chairmen. For these privileges we are most grateful.