In an effort to introduce young people to the world of opera, the Teatro Costanzi in Rome organized a sleepover event for 130 children between the ages of 8-10. The evening began with a spooky encounter as the children were introduced to the legend of Emma Carelli, the phantom soprano who was said to haunt the opera house. General Manager Francesco Giambrone aimed to dispel opera’s elitist image by making it more accessible to children, breaking with tradition by abandoning the strict dress code.
Music education in Italy has been neglected, with few opportunities for students to learn about the country’s rich musical heritage. Arts organizations like the Costanzi have taken it upon themselves to reach out to young people and cultivate an interest in opera. Maestro Antonio Caroccia notes that Italy lags behind other countries in music education, with little support from politicians or lawmakers. Efforts to introduce musical education into school curricula have been unsuccessful, despite the country’s long history of musical excellence.
The sleepover at the Teatro Costanzi was a unique experience for many of the children, most of whom had never visited an opera house before. Scout leaders accompanied the group, providing guidance and encouraging the children to explore the theater. For some children from disadvantaged neighborhoods, the visit was a chance to dream and escape from their daily struggles. The opera house runs outreach programs for the homeless and residents of remote neighborhoods, aiming to open the theater to a wider audience and create a younger patron base.
During the sleepover, the children participated in activities such as watching a rehearsal for an upcoming performance, learning about the theater’s operations, and taking part in workshops. They designed ballet costumes, learned basic ballet positions, sang in a choir, and played an opera-themed version of snakes and ladders. The children were introduced to the magic of opera through music, art, and games, with the hope that they would share their experience with others and return to the opera house in the future.
The sleepover was a success, with the children expressing their enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to explore the world of opera. Despite some homesickness and mixed feelings about sleeping away from home, the children enjoyed the experience and were eager to return in the future. General Manager Francesco Giambrone encouraged the children to come back soon, hoping to inspire a new generation of opera lovers. The event was a testament to the power of music education and the importance of introducing young people to the arts.
