Children unmask opera history

CHILDREN were introduced to the magic of opera at a very special event in Cork’s English Market yesterday.

The youngsters from sixth class in St Killian’s special school in Bishopstown designed Venetian masks as part of a project exploring the history and story of opera — the soaps of their day.

Their teachers Hilary Parmenter and Angie Shanahan gave them free reign to design whatever they liked.

Some followed the traditional style, featuring elongated noses and feathers, but some ingenious masks are made from Lego.

Opera lover Kay Harte, who owns the Farm Gate restaurant in the market, heard about the unique project and invited the pupils to put their creations on display in her restaurant to promote Opera 2005’s forthcoming production of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball).

The children attended the opening of the exhibition yesterday and were treated to a stunning performance of arias from the opera by two of its star soloists Rebekah Coffey and canadian Matthew Zadow. Morning shoppers paused and applauded the powerful performances.

Un Ballo in Maschera will be the first show in the revamped Cork Opera House on September 23, 25 and 27 before transferring to University Concert Hall, Limerick on September 30.

Conducted by Opera 2005’s artistic director, Kevin Mallon, and directed by Tom Hawkes, the opera will feature a full orchestra and chorus and will be sung entirely in Italian. It will also star Cara O’Sullivan and Jeff Stewart.

Opera House box office tel: [phone].