THE MAKINGS OF A STAR
2024-2026
FINNISH NATIONAL OPERA AND BALLET
The Makings of a Star
– A SCHOOL OPERA
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF HUMANS AND THE PLANET?
An important theme emerges when a school class receives a visit from the Minister for the Future. The minister believes in economic growth and plans to announce a new program that very evening, aiming for growth even at the risk of depleting natural resources. The students see things differently—but how can they make their environmental views heard?
A plan is devised, and the minister is in for a surprise at the public speaking event.
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School Opera Concept
During the preparation phase of the school opera, a group of 40–60 students in grades 4–6 familiarize themselves—under the guidance of their teachers—with the work’s music, characters, and themes, while also learning stage expression. The themes of the piece are explored across different school subjects using a comprehensive educational material package provided by the opera.
Before the performance, a director and a pianist visit the school for one full school day to rehearse the music and staging with the students.
On the performance day, the piece is presented to classmates and families together with costumes, makeup, set design, singers, and musicians. The goal of the opera project is to encourage students to sing, increase their self-awareness, strengthen social interaction skills, introduce opera as an art form, and create an inspiring and empowering shared experience through collaboration.