On March 24th and 25th, 2010, the halls of Cristo Rey Jesuit resonated with the sounds of some of the most promising soprano voices in the Houston opera world.
“Why should anyone want to know about opera?” asked Dr. Ellen Harrison of Opera in the Heights, looking into the eyes of forty doubtful young classical music novices.
Thanks to Dr. Harrison, the students of Cristo Rey Jesuit were immersed into an unknown musical realm for two incredibly engaging, informative, and eye-opening 50-minute presentations called “This Opera’s for You!” Dr. Harrison effectively explained the concept of opera while making it accessible to Cristo Rey Jesuit students. She deemed it a kind of “soul music” that appears in popular movies, television shows, and commercials, while also providing the foundation for many of the commercial Broadway musicals acclaimed by even the most hesitant theatre-goers today.
The Opera in the Heights presentations conveyed the importance and beauty of the voice as an instrument with the help of two young sopranos accompanied by an incredible pianist. They wowed the students with their beautiful performances and engaged them with their animated explanations and no-nonsense take on the role of work ethic in achieving one’s dream career.
On April 9th, seven of our students accompanied by several faculty and staff chaperones, opted to further explore these lessons by attending Opera in the Heights’ production of one of the most beloved operas in history, La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini. After a lovely dinner at Chatter’s, the Cristo Rey Jesuit group, many of whom had never before seen an opera, headed to Lambert Hall on Heights Boulevard to experience the magic. Dressed to the nines, these enthusiastic students remained engrossed in the four-act tragedy and left with a newfound understanding of this incomparable musical art.
Most importantly, the students learned that opera portrays real relationships that evoke the deepest of human emotions, both within the performers and throughout the audience.
Semp Taylor, a Cristo Rey Jesuit student who mainly classifies himself as an athlete, exclaimed, “It was so awesome and funny, especially the [physical comedy]! … I liked the music because it expressed the people’s feelings.”
Once again this year, Cristo Rey Jesuit students learned the true meaning of being “open to growth.” Employing the lingo taught to our students by an opera diva in the flesh,“Bravissimo!”
Katie Davis
Jesuit Volunteer Corps
Drama Teacher, Campus Minister
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston
