Prelude Opera

Opera for children

Thank you to everyone who came to “Fairy Tales in Opera” in November 2023. Stay tuned for news about upcoming projects!

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house.

Maria Callas

Photos and Videos by Cursive Films

    About

    Opera has connected people throughout history as a medium for human expression and inspiration across cultures. Diverse stories from around the globe are told through music – using the human voice as the primary instrument – to inspire healing, hope and wonder. The mission of Prelude Opera is to introduce opera to children. Research shows that learning about music at a young age contributes significantly to childhood growth and academic achievement. Prelude Opera provides opportunities for children to experience accessible live performances while keeping ticket costs low and affordable for families of all socio-economic backgrounds. Based in the culturally rich neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City, Prelude Opera presents family events for the local and broader community. Performing works by both historical and loving composers, Prelude’s family-friendly operas use colorful costumes and scenery, presented in neighborhood venues. The performances employ local talented professional artists and are supported by local institutions and opera fans. My vision is for Prelude Opera to be a prelude to a lifelong enjoyment of the transformative experience of opera.

    Christine Pulliam Melamed

    Christine Pulliam Melamed founded Prelude Opera in 2017 with the production of Three Little Pigs. As an opera coach and director, she has worked for the Atlantic Music Festival, Masterworks Festival, Opera Company of Brooklyn and Dramma per Musica.  A piano instructor since 1994, she was previously on the piano faculty of the Levine School of Music in Washington D.C. and currently teaches piano and music history at The King’s College.  Past solo and chamber performances include the Opus Nine Ensemble, The Washington Sinfonietta, University of Wisconsin, and Malacañang Palace in the Philippines. A fan of new music, she has premiered piano works by Frank Felice and Benjamin C. S. Boyle and an operetta by Joshua Bornfield. A native of Indianapolis, Ms. Melamed graduated from Butler University summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and minor in journalism. She received a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Maryland and a Master of Music in collaborative piano from The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.

    “My daughter was mesmorized with the singing and now often tells us she wants to be an opera singer. I appreciated the life lessons and morals that were interwoven into the stories. Prelude Opera gives kids a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to this beautiful art form and great storytelling.
    Michelle Mullins Psychotherapist
    “It’s such a fun way to introduce kids to the beauty of opera and in such a whimsical way. I’m so supportive of the mission of the company that I’ve started volunteering to help out.”
    Dr. Henry Bleattler Professor of History and The Humanities, The King’s College
    “Prelude Operas are a treat to attend for families. My small children, who usually can’t sit still for anything, watched the entire performance with great interest. They loved that they could meet the singers afterwards.”
    Katie MartinezFounder of Elegantees
    “As a lover of opera, it was heartwarming to see the children having such a fun time at an ‘opera!’ I love that the opera was in a setting where every child could feel like they were part of the story.”
    Louise RogersJazz Vocalist, Founder of Jazz Wahi, Teacher at Medical Center Nursery School
    “Christine’s interpretation of a concept fairly abstract to young children was beautiful. She did that in a way where she respects storytelling, music and children. Nothing was stripped from authenticity but still appealing and amusing for both young viewers and their grownups. Music was divine, scenography impressive and cast talented and well rehearsed. Pure joy.”
    Ivana DrazicMontessori educator and mother of 8 year old
    Jack Copp, age 6LEGO creation of the opera Hansel and Gretel

    Contact US

    Explore Our Past Operas

    The Magic Flute

    Photo by Cursive Films

    The Magic Flute was produced by Prelude Opera in 2022. The production featured the time-honored opera by W.A Mozart, reimagined in Roger Brunyate’s charming adaptation for children.

    Little Red Riding Hood

    Little Red Riding Hood was produced by Prelude Opera in 2021. This classic by Seymour Barab was performed in Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan and streamed online.

    The Billy Goats Gruff

    The Three Billy Goats Gruff is an arrangement by John Davies and was performed by Prelude Opera in 2019. A fun-filled, short family-friendly opera, it uses famous opera tunes by Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti.

    The Three Little Pigs

    The Three Little Pigs was produced by Prelude Opera in 2017. The opera by John Davies incorporates famous arias and ensembles from Mozart operas.

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