Page last updated: 09 Jul 2009

Youth Opera Theatre Programme

SMS Summer Opera School
in association with
Opera Ireland

Monday July 20th to Sunday August 16th
4 weeks (9.00 am to 4.30pm)
Ages 8 to adult.

No previous singing or acting experience and no audition is required for admission to the Youith Opera Theatre. Auditions in person, or by tape, will be arranged for those students wishing to be assigned a principal role. (Please check appropriate box on application form.

SMS 2009 Youth Opera Theatre Production
based on The Little Mermaid
by Hans Christian Andersen
Music by Carl Davis <-||-> Libretto by Hiawyn Oram

A musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's heartbreaking fairytale, The Mermaid, was composed by Carl Davis to a libretto by Hiawyn Oram. Mermaid Oriana falls in love with a human Prince she saves from drowning. Against all advice from her sisters and sea creature friends, she signs a deadly deal with the merciless Sea Witch and exchanges her beautiful voice for a pair of human legs. Despite her sacrifice, the Prince chooses duty over love and Oriana is destined to die.

Carl Davis' music for the beautiful and enduring tale of The Little Mermaid has, as we have come to expect, stunning tunes. Hiawyn Oram's brilliant libretto is full of wit, wisdom and a sensitivity to timeless ethical and moral issues. This production has 22 original songs, additional instrumental interludes, and is accompanied by a large instrumental ensemble.

In addition to the full length production of The Mermaid, the SMS Youth Opera Theatre faculty will also select appropriate excerpts from the classical operatic repertoire for performance. Works to be performed will depend upon the vocal background and experience of students registering for the Programme.

Choir and Solo Concerts

In addition to the opera rehearsals and performances, Youth Opera Theatre students will also be performing with the SMS orchestras in UCH and St. Mary's Cathedral, and will have opportunities to sing solo repertoire in concerts at UCH and The Georgian House.