Page 60 - Glasbenopedagoški zbornik Akademije za glasbo v Ljubljani

Among many musical genres, it is opera that can interest a child not only
glasbenopedagoški zbornik ◆ letnik/volume 20 ◆ številka/number 41
in the art of sounds, but also in the twists and turns of the plot, dramatic play,
dance, and decoration. However, an indifferent or negative attitude towards
musical theatre often develops under the influence of certain psychological fa-
ctors, among which the conventionality of expressing the feelings and relation-
ships of the heroes plays an important role. The same applies to young specta-
tors (Kuzmina, 2022, p. 424).
The meaning and value of youth opera performance for spectators and yo-
ung participants is gaining public appreciation and scientific confirmation. In
the work of Fredrick Burrack and Carla Maltas (2006), the authors highlight
the research demonstrating the need for children to participate in performing,
hearing, and observing genres of music to improve their skills in analysis, eva-
luation, and perception (Burrack & Maltas, 2006): ‘Research about participa-
tion in the arts as a child and preference for opera have indicated that children
should be provided with experiences viewing live performances to become
adult patrons and audience members’ (Burrack & Maltas, 2006, p. 82). The
benefits of being involved in performing and listening to opera works spreads
far beyond mere enjoyment and is now also visible on the level of brain deve-
lopment, since from the Polyvagal theory developed by S. Porges, it is known
that higher brain functions, such as learning, communication and attention,
are dependent on how well we are able to process incoming information at the
sensory and motor levels (Porges, 2022). Involvement in complex music theat-
re is thus one of the most promising environments (except nature) that promo-
tes those processes.
Based on these findings, we decided to use the example of a new opera for
children, Kekec in škrat Skovik by the contemporary Slovenian composer To-
maž Habe, to investigate which elements of youth opera appeal most strongly
to young audiences and how young listeners perceive opera. The Slovenian ope-
ra Kekec in škrat Skovik is intended for children aged 5 to 15 attending primary
school and as a work in which the children also perform.

Definition and key features of youth opera

Youth opera, or music theatre designed for children and adolescents, repre-
sents a specialized genre that engages young audiences through the integration
of music and narrative. This art form is characterized by performances orche-
strated by either professional or amateur adult performers, specifically tailo-
red for children and their accompanying adults, as well as productions in whi-
ch children themselves perform, aiming to captivate both their peers and adult
spectators (Pantouvaki, 2012).
In examining the foundational components of youth opera, Jayakumar
(2020) identifies three pivotal elements: relevance, appeal, and compre hension.

60