On December 14, Benjamin Britten’s family opera “The Little Chimney Sweep” premiered in the large hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
“Together with the children, students and also the artists on the stage, a very beautiful work was completed. By creating the characters of this work, everyone became a little better, more skillful and certainly richer thanks to a large amount of experience”, says music director and conductor Hirvo Surva.
“The ‘let’s do an opera’ approach gives the audience the opportunity to participate a little in the show, but it also helps younger viewers better understand that a show is taking place and that children and adults are actors on the stage. Maybe this will also awaken in some young visitors the passion for singing or acting,” reflected soloist Mirell Jakobson, a student of the EMTA classical singing master.
Jakobson doesn’t doubt for a moment that the children who come to see the show will have a great time seeing their peers singing and having fun on stage. “At the same time, I also think that every adult can sometimes remind himself of what it was like to be a child. After all, children are wonderful: they love unconditionally and are ready to share their goodness with everyone. Maybe this hour is fun you just need to feel a little childishness and joy inside to find and, through this, be able to appreciate even more those little people around you, who have a big world inside them”, he added.
“The Little Chimney Sweep” tells the happy story of Sam, 9 years old, whose father sells him as an apprentice to a chimney sweep because the family is very poor. Fortunately, while working, the boy finds himself in a house, where naughty children save him from slavery, also defeating his evil and overbearing housekeeper. Sam realizes that what happened to him isn’t normal and he can start a new and better life.
The director is Liis Kolle and musical director and conductor Hiro Surva. On stage are singing students, former students and a small orchestra of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, soloists from the Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir and soloists from the Estonian Radio Children’s Singing Studio.
The artist is Hannabel Saareli, the lighting designer is Priidu Adlas, the movement director is Anu Ruusmaa. The protagonists are Uku Sander Leisalu and Tobias Tark, singers of the RO Estonia boys’ choir. The small orchestra includes Arvo Leibur, Marii Piirsalu, Johanna Vahermägi, Henry-David Varema, Heigo Rosin, Sven-Sander Šestakov and Ivari Ilja.
The performances will take place from 2pm to 4pm in December in the large hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theater and on January 11th in the small house in Vanemuise. The family opera is suitable for music and theater lovers aged 6 and above, without age limits.
2023-12-15 07:36:00
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