In the Works: An Opera Sprouts Evening

Something new is growing at Vancouver Opera — and we want you to hear it before it's finished.

In the Works is an evening inside the Opera Sprouts Initiative: our program to develop new operas written specifically for young audiences in Grades 3–6. Working with emerging composer–librettist teams from across BC — and guided by mentors from Vancouver Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria — three teams have spent a year developing original works. Tonight, they share them with you.

In the Works is presented as part of Opera Sprouts, a co-production between Vancouver Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.

Each team will speak about their piece, and members of Vancouver Opera's Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program — Marianne Bertrand, Julia LoRusso, Mihnea Nitu, Lyndon Ladeur, and pianist Derek Stanyer — will perform live excerpts right here in our East Van rehearsal space. Come hear what new opera sounds like when it's still becoming itself.

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THE WORKS

Bossy Girl Saves the World
Composer: Mishelle Cuttler | Librettist: Scott Button

Ten-year-old Hortense Mortense has big ideas — and an even bigger voice. When she overhears her parents talking about the state of the world, she sets out to fix it, starting with her backyard garden. Comic duets, anxious arias, and vibrant ensemble numbers explore environmental anxiety, friendship, and the power of collaboration.

"Saving the world is a group project. So is making opera." — Button & Cuttler

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Howl
Composer: Chris Thornborrow | Librettist: Sarah Henstra

A wolf goes missing — and the whole riverside ecosystem falls apart. Told with humour, suspense, and inventive puppetry, this lyrical animal fable explores what happens when one piece of the world goes quiet — and what it takes to bring it back into balance.

"Like the echo of a distant howl, this opera lingers — asking questions about balance, fear, and belonging." — Thornborrow & Henstra

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How the Tortoise Broke Its Shell
Composer: Tawnie Olson | Librettist: Blessing O. Nwodo

A clever tortoise tricks his way into a celestial feast — and learns that greed has consequences. Rich with African rhythms, call-and-response, and the warmth of a reimagined Nigerian folktale, this opera weaves powerful lessons about justice, community, and humility.

"We wanted to create a story that invites children to think deeply — while singing, dancing, and laughing." — Tawnie Olson

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THE EVENING

7:00pm — Doors open 7:30pm — Welcome and introduction to Opera Sprouts 7:40pm — Live excerpts from all three works-in-progress, with the artists After — Reception · Meet the composers, singers, and team

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Free admission — presented as part of the VOICES Free Concert Series, supported by TD.

VOICES is Vancouver Opera's annual series of free performances — opera, music, theatre, and everything in between — held right in the heart of the city at the Michael and Inna O'Brian Centre. No barriers. No asterisks. Just great music, free, for everyone.

Seating is limited and first come, first served. We recommend arriving early.

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In the Works is presented as part of Opera Sprouts supported by OPERA America's Opera Fund — part of a North American effort to enhance the quality, quantity, and creativity of new opera and music theatre.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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