Opera Through the Generations

Opera Through The Generations is a unique program for intergenerational learning in the Pittsburgh area. This program partners current professional musicians with young musicians and the senior music loving communities in Western Pennsylvania. Each team will consist of at least one of Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s teaching artists and one or more youth performers. These teams will create an interactive recital program tailored to a specific community they are sent to. The residency concludes with a day of interactive music for each of the senior living communities!

The Benefits:

• Youth Performers will have the opportunity to collaborate and perform with established musicians and build long lasting relationships. This program will allow students to get a taste for what it is like to be a professional musician. Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s Teaching Artists and other local professional musicians will mentor the young musicians on these outreach projects but the youth performers will be the driving force! Students will be able to brainstorm programming, get real rehearsal experience, and perform for the seniors all while receiving community service hours that can be used for college applications or towards National Honor Society requirements.
• Senior Living Communities will receive hands-on activities and entertainment from classical musicians. Studies show that by bringing music into care home residents experience reduced stress, social activities, and has even been proven to inspire reminiscence. Each of our musicians are passionate about sharing their talents and bringing live music to those who would not otherwise have easy access to Before the day of the performance, each facility will be visited by a Teaching Artist for a presentation of “What Is Opera?”. This presentation will prepare residents for what to expect from the performance while also getting them ready for any of the interactive aspects.

 Who We Are Looking For:

• High School aged musicians. We welcome both singers and instrumentalists. Currently formed duos, small groups, and bands are encouraged to apply.
• High School aged dancers looking for interdisciplinary and outreach opportunities.
• High School aged artists looking for interdisciplinary and outreach opportunities.
• High School aged students looking for experience in artistic administration, recital programming, and outreach coordination.
• Senior Living facilities looking for entertainment for their residents.

All programs come to your school free of charge.