The emotion of opera: Angelina’s sorrow of being left at home and rejected comes through in the music, her voice and expression.[/caption]

Students from Gold Hill Elementary, Jamestown Elementary, and Nederland Elementary gathered together in the Nederland Elementary gymnasium for a unique experience. Opera Colorado came to perform an adaptation of Rossini’s Cinderella for the students.

The students have heard pop, country, rock ‘n’ roll, techno, but opera music was a new experience for many of them.

This opportunity came to Nederland Elementary School (NES) and all of the students involved because Gold Hill School received a grant from SCFD. SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District) is funded through tax dollars and supports a variety of cultural experiences around Denver and Boulder Counties. This collaborative wants students to have access to rich cultural, artistic, and scientific opportunities.

When Gold Hill School teachers Johanna Morrison and Christine Maedke learned that they were awarded the SCFD grant they had to choose what to do with the money. One of the options they chose is to partner with Opera Colorado and their educational program. The Artists in Residence program comes to the school.

Rossini’s Cinderella on stage at NES: The stepsisters tell Angelina what she is to do all the time. Bottom, right: During the finale Angelina forgave her family and kindness won. Bottom, left: Angelina begs her father to allow her to go to the ball.[/caption]

They reached out to NES to see if they would host the event, and invited their students to join, as well as Jamestown Elementary.

There have been many versions of Cinderella created over the years. Italian Gioachino Rossini composed his version of Cinderella in 1817 when he was 25 years old.

Rossini’s Cinderella has a few different elements than the story we are used to. There is no wicked stepmother, but a wicked stepfather. There are no glass slippers. Instead there are two bracelets. The fairy godmother has been replaced by a royal advisor. The two stepsisters are arrogant and mean-spirited – that is what makes them unattractive. Cinderella's name is Angelina.

Prince Ramiro wants to find a bride. He disguises himself as a servant so he can find the right person while he remains unknown.

The pompous attitude of the stepsisters when they are sure they each deserve to marry the prince (who is not really the prince) is perfectly over-dramatic.

The emotion of the arias when Angelina is not allowed to go to the ball is powerful and heart wrenching. She pleads with her stepfather to no avail.

Then, the “Cinderella” moment! The students could not help but say, “Ohhh, the dress,” as Angelina entered wearing a light blue dress that glistened and glittered in the light. She wore a tiara, earrings, and bracelets that all sparkled.

Prince Ramiro knew he had to find Angelina again, as she gave him one of her bracelets and left the ball.

The next day chaos ensued as Prince Ramiro found Angelina and her family, who were furious at Angelina’s good fortune. The emotional intensity continues as Angelina and the prince marry. Kindness wins in the end as Angelina forgives her stepfather and stepsisters.

This is a story where goodness triumphs in the end for someone who experienced pain and struggle in her life. There is a message of forgiveness.

Some of the students said that they liked the costumes and some parts were funny – “like the stepsisters.”

One student said, “They can really sing!”

After the opera the performers answered some questions from the kids. There were questions about the set they brought with them. They wondered if opera was something the singers wanted to do all their lives (they answered yes). They also asked if the singers really did kiss on stage. These are inquisitive kids.

After one last round of applause and loud “Bravos” the students made their way to the lunchroom for post-opera repast.

It was a wonderful experience to have the three Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) elementary mountain schools together, see Rossini’s Cinderella, and have a connection with opera.

A heartfelt thanks to SCFD, Opera Colorado, these superb Artists in Residence, and Gold Hill School for bringing this artistic and cultural opportunity to the BVSD elementary mountain school kids.