Saint Vincent De Paul kindergarteners create and perform original opera

Photo courtesy of St. Vincent De Paul School

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By Carol Barman

St. Vincent De Paul School

SALT LAKE CITY -The kindergarten class at Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic School worked diligently to create an original opera. The students performed "Pascual and the Kitchen Angels," based on the book by author and illustrator Tomie dePaola.

This delightful story about Pascual, who is the patron saint of cooks and kitchens, teaches children about putting their trust in God.

Pascual was proclaimed a saint in 1690 because of his life of prayer, humility and efforts to feed the poor.

The opera was performed April 21 - 22 at Saint Vincent De Paul School, 1385 East Spring Lane in the Holladay area of Salt Lake City.

Kindergarten teacher Mary Williams, has found a creative way to integrate language arts, drama, music and dance curriculum by introducing her students to opera as a cooperative learning project. She was greatly inspired by the "Music! Words! Opera!" class that was offered to educators free of charge by Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. The MWO class offered teachers a partnership with Utah Symphony | Utah Opera that provides lesson plans, training and support from professional artists. It has created opera fever in children all over Utah. Utah Symphony | Utah Opera's composer/artist -in-residence Jolene Clarke accompanied the St. Vincent opera.

Since last January, St. Vincent kindergarteners have learned the basics of opera, worked together to write their own words (libretto) to their opera, worked with composer Clarke to create melodies and their score, and auditioned for their parts.

While the students polished their parts, parent volunteers helped the children build costumes, props, and scenery. They also saw first hand how the pros prepare an opera at the Utah Opera Production Studios during a class tour.