Canterbury School’s 4th to 6th graders once again took part in the San Francisco Opera Guild’s “Opera Together” program! Our students had an amazing time learning the songs, rehearsing their lines, and performing La Cenerentola (“Cinderella”) alongside professional opera singers. This year’s performance took place in the chapel on November 8, bringing Rossini’s classic story to life with both talent and enthusiasm. Enjoy the full performance and celebrate our students’ hard work and passion for the arts!
Why do we teach Classical Opera at Canterbury?
Opera is an important part of the Western classical music tradition.
Opera, a rich blend of music, drama, and visual storytelling, is performed by singers and musicians who bring text (libretto) and music to life, often accompanied by an orchestra in an elaborate theatrical setting. Emerging in Italy during the late 16th century, opera quickly spread across Europe, with composers like Schütz, Lully, and Purcell establishing regional traditions. The 18th century was marked by the dominance of Italian opera, attracting talents like Handel and culminating in the iconic works of Mozart. The 19th century saw the rise of bel canto and Grand Opera, with Wagner and Verdi ushering in a golden age that continued into verismo and early 20th-century experimentation by composers like Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Glass. Through innovations in radio and recording, opera reached broader audiences, cementing its role as a celebrated art form.