Babies set for opera playdate
Victorian Opera opens its doors to youngsters and their families for a musical adventure and a first chance to experience opera.
Continuing its commitment to make opera accessible for everyone, Victorian Opera has developed a new program titled Baby Bilby Sings to introduce babies and toddlers aged three and under to this very special art form. Victorian Opera is the first company to introduce an opera-specific program of this kind in Australia.
Children and their families will listen, play, sing along, and develop a taste for opera as they’re guided through the musical highlights from some of opera’s best-loved works.
There are so many different styles of music to experience from lullaby-like arias to lively duets. Our interactive program introduces babies and toddlers to opera while giving them a chance to make sound, play instruments and dance as they discover the joys and wonder of live performance, said Ioanna Salmanidis, Victorian Opera’s Education Manager.
The 30-minute program follows Baby Bilby, a curious native animal, on his grand tour around the world. His journey takes him to different places where he meets characters from famous operas.
“The expressive nature of opera allows for an immediate connection, especially for young people with no pre-conceived ideas of what this art form is. In the development of Baby Bilby Sings, the children at our workshops were instantly engaged by the magic of music and beauty of the human voice,” added Ioanna Salmanidis.
Victorian Opera is proud to present opera for all ages and continues to improve access by removing barriers such as distance and cost. In 2020, the company presents its third, highly popular Access All Areas: Livestream Program for primary school students state-wide and maintains affordable ticketing with seats from $39 to all mainstage productions.
Baby Bilby Sings
Horti Hall, Hemstritch Studio
31 Victoria Street, Melbourne
Friday 13 March, 9.45 am and 11.00 am
Friday 20 March, 9.45 am and 11.00 am
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets: $15, free for 3 years and under
Bookings via www.victorianopera.com.au
