Page 61 - Glasbenopedagoški zbornik Akademije za glasbo v Ljubljani

Relevance refers to the thematic and contextual significance of the opera's con-
tent to the experiences and realities of young audiences, thereby fostering a
sense of connection and understanding. Appeal encompasses the aesthetic and
emotional aspects that attract children to the performance, including enga-
ging melodies, vibrant staging, and relatable characters (Brdnik Juhart et al.,
2023). Comprehension underscores the necessity for clarity in narrative and
musical elements, ensuring that the young audience can easily grasp the story
and its underlying messages (Brdnik Juhart & Sicherl Kafol 2021).
Moreover, Zadnik et al. (2023) emphasize the importance of developmen-
tal alignment between the narrative and musical content of youth operas. This
alignment is crucial for fostering cognitive and emotional engagement, as it
ensures that the complexity of the themes and the sophistication of the musical
elements correspond to the developmental stages of the audience (Lin, 2019).
The integration of age-appropriate content not only enhances enjoyment but
also facilitates deeper learning and personal growth among young listeners.
Youth opera serves as a dynamic and impactful medium that not only en-
tertains but also educates and resonates with young audiences, highlighting
the importance of relevance, appeal, and comprehension in its artistic executi-
on. The continued exploration of these elements is essential for the evolution
and efficacy of youth opera as a vital component of children's arts education. Katarina Kompan Erzar, Katarina Habe ◆ THE CAPACITY OF YOUTH OPERA TO ENHANCE THE EMOTIONAL SKILLS OF YOUNGER ADOLESCENTS

Benefits of youth operas

Youth operas offer a multifaceted array of psychological benefits that can signi-
ficantly contribute to the development of children and adolescents. These be-
nefits can be categorized into four primary domains: physical, emotional, co-
gnitive, and social (Savage, 2021).
Participating in youth operas provides a unique opportunity for the en-
hancement of vocal and dancing skills, particularly when individuals are acti-
vely involved in the performance. Research indicates that engaging in musi-
cal and theatrical activities promotes fine motor skills, coordination, and body
awareness (Stevens, 2018). The physical demands of singing, acting, and dan-
cing in a performance context encourage participants to develop greater con-
trol over their bodies and voices, fostering not only technical proficiency but
also overall physical fitness.
Youth operas create a supportive environment that facilitates emotio-
nal expression. This is crucial during the formative years, as children and ado-
lescents often grapple with complex feelings and experiences. According to
Cohen (2019), the arts serve as a valuable outlet for emotions, allowing young
participants to explore and articulate their feelings in a constructive manner
(Levitin, 2013). The act of embodying characters and narratives can help

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