Back in 2021, the Danish classical music ensemble Via Artis Konsort created an experimental music workshop for children and their parents, in collaboration with Dalum Library in Odense. The project was part of an initiative by the Danish Ministery of Culture called 'New formats'.
In 2023-24, Ballhaus and Via Artis will continue on the same track creating the project 'Nature opera for children and their families'. This time we are embarking on an opera at children's level, which will be performed at three fantastic, but lesser-known locations on Funen and the islands, namely Skovsgård Gods on Langeland, Regissekilden in Frørup (Nyborg Municipality) and Glavendruplunden near Skamby (Nordfyns Municipality). Subsequently, the project will be extended to the southern Danish area, including performances at Augustiana (Augustenborg) and Mandø (Wadden Sea Area).
With 'Naturopera', Ballhaus continues experimenting within new formats for classical music performances; The opera will be about nature and in nature! The opera will be performed outdoors in fantastic natural surroundings. 'Gamification' is becoming a key word. Games will be an integral part of the opera's 'libretto', both new digital games and old children's games. The opera will also be site-responsive, i.e. the action and music of the opera are specifically linked to the place of performance.
The artistic direction of the project is in the hands of composer Poul Udbye Pock-Steen and mezzo-soprano and performer Christina Holm. Relevant stage artists are also invited into the creation process, e.g. the Swedish-born director and performer Karin Sjöholm.
The work has just begun and we look forward to presenting the final result in spring 2024. You can follow the creation process on our SoMe channels: Facebook, Instagram and - not to forget – ballhaus.community.
