Opera Brain Breaks

Austin Opera is excited to introduce OPERA BRAIN BREAKS – a series of short videos introducing the world of opera in fun and engaging ways. Perfect for children ages 3-8, as well as the “young at heart.”

Each installment will focus on a music skill, and include at least one of the following:

MOVEMENT – an opportunity to get up and move to an opera classic
MINDFULNESS – a guided listening moment to calm down and check-in with yourself
CREATIVITY – a prompt with music to inspire expression through the arts

No. 1: T is for Tenor

Get ready to jump around! Our first OPERA BRAIN BREAK features tenor René Barbera performing an aria from Donizetti’s opera Daughter of the Regiment.

No. 2: M is for Melody

Get your favorite art supplies out and create with color as you listen to soprano Elena Villalón perform “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. with Nyle Matsuoka, piano

No. 3: L is for Lyrics

Take a mindful moment to listen and breathe as baritone Will Liverman performs an original arrangement of Charlie Chaplin’s song, “Smile.”

No. 4: E is for Emotion

How does music make you feel? Experience the emotion of opera as soprano Madison Leonard performs the aria “Caro nome” from Austin Opera’s 2019 production of Rigoletto.

No. 5: C is for Chorus

Join the Austin Opera Chorus celebrating on the streets of Paris in Act II of Puccini’s opera La bohème. Then visit this link to hear the beautiful “Musetta’s Waltz.”

No. 6: C es Para Cantar

Una pausa para disfrutar de la ópera. Presentando la cancion “Granada” de Agustín Lara – cantada por el tenor David Portillo, y con Allen Perriello al piano.

This is my singing voice! Explore the four voice types (speaking, whispering, calling, singing) and build your music vocabulary in this special Opera Brain Break, featuring David Portillo, tenor and Allen Perriello, piano, performing “Granada” by Austín Lara.