Friday, May 10, 2019

Eszther Horvath and Veronique MacKenzie Team Up for a Children's Opera May 16-19, 2019.

Music Director Eszther Horvath and choreographer Veronique MacKenzie join the Brundibar team for Halifax Theatre for Young People’s (HTYP) presentation of the children’s opera Brundibár.

May 16-19th
Cropped Image from Original Poster

Sir James Dunn Theatre
Dalhousie Arts Centre
Room 514, 6101 University Avenue

School shows:
May 16, 9:15 am
May 17, 10:30 am

May 18 7:00 pm
May 19 2:00 pm


Brundibár is an opera written for children by Hans Krása with lyrics by Adolf Hoffmeister, composed in Prague in 1938. The opera tells the story of children who sing in the marketplace to raise money for their sick mother, but are chased away by the organ player, Brundibár. With the help of animal and bird friends, as well as other children, they defeat Brundibár and continue to sing. All watching understood that Brundibár represented Hitler and were uplifted, even momentarily, by the fact that good could triumph over evil.

Despite the background of its creation, the opera itself is light-hearted and provides a great opportunity to introduce children and youth to the topic of the Holocaust and racial discrimination, and the need to work together to defeat oppression.

The Halifax production is directed by HTYP’s Artistic Director Tessa Mendel, with musical direction by Eszter Horvath, and features professional musicians including Scott Macmillan and members of Symphony Nova Scotia, children from the local community and professional set and lighting designers. 


The production includes an educational component, guest speakers and a photography exhibit. A committee of local supporters has been working behind the scenes for several years to bring the production to Halifax audiences. Description from the Halifax Theatre for Young People Website

Veronique MacKenzie is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and educator most recently recognized with a 2019 Merritt Award.  
 
Eszther Horvath is an accomplished singer, violinist, musical director and conductor.

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