“Parents
who consider themselves opera buffs may just have to expand their
season tickets to include some new fans!”
- Playthings - January 2004
“No
family should be without this collection of beloved arias from around
the world performed by professional opera singers and exactingly
translated into English (without missing a beat).”
- Publishers Weekly - January 5, 2004
“This exceptional album will help teachers and parents introduce
children to opera.”
-School Library Journal – January
2, 2004
“If
your kids turn up their noses at opera, try this engaging recording
from the Children's Group in Canada. An appealing roster of international
singers performs 14 arias. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy
these favorites.”
-
Donald Rosenberg, Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 21,
2003
“This
CD is such a brilliant idea, and so exquisitely executed, it's
a wonder that it hasn't been done before. What better way to open
a door to the world of opera for your kids than by introducing
them to 14 of the world's most famous arias in English, including
those from La boheme, Madame Butterfly and The Magic Flute. Would-be
opera singers (yes, you) can stretch their voices on five instrumental-only
sing-along tracks. Includes lyrics and opera synopses.”
-
Nancy Churnin, Dallas Morning News, December 16, 2003
“…a
nifty, light-hearted CD”
- Tom DiNardo – Philadelphia Daily News, Philadlephia,
PA, December 12, 2003
“Opera
made accessible to listeners of all ages” -
The Edmonton Journal, December 7, 2003
“…will
grab the attention of kids …Jean Stilwell is striking …Daniel
Lichti and Suzie Leblanc sound delightful and Aline Kutan demonstrates
that she has the perfect voice for the Queen of the Night”
-
Opera Canada, December 2003
“Opera
has rarely been so accessible!”
-
Lucie Renaud - La Scena Musicale – Montréal,
December 2003
“Extraordinary
...the dramatics, the voice, the comedy! And what were they winging
to, these shy, non-dramatic children of mine? None other than
opera ...from Carmen to Figaro, the kids will not only learn,
they will rock!” -
Island Parent, British Columbia, December 2003
“…is
the audio CD kids and adults will enjoy together.”
-
The National Post, November 29, 2003
"...the
whole family can enjoy singing along." -
Georgia Family, November 2003
"...an
excellent introduction to the world of opera for children, as
well as adults..."
-
classicalmusic.about.com
“…a gem…a CD that has real kid-appeal, and yet
is good enough to please adults."
- Alidë Kohlhaas, Lancette Journal of the Arts,
November 2003
“…a
beautifully performed CD…”
- Jennifer Partridge, Calgary Herald, November 8, 2003
“…highly
singable, child-appropriate opera….the whole family can
enjoy singing along.”
- Georgia Family, November 2003
“…this
CD is a must-have”
- Erich Parker, APR/Parents’ Choice, November 2003
“Get
your hands on this CD!”
- Metroparent – Milwaukee, WI, November 2003
“…clever
and well-meaning, if not an unalloyed success”
- www.infodad.com,
November 2003
“…superbly
sung …a dazzling array of vocal talent …adult listening
is absolutely recommended since there is not watering down …the
music is full strength, all of its aesthetic vitamins packed in
in such a way as to build a healthy attitude toward opera”
- Stephen Pedersen, Halifax Chronicle-Herald, October
26, 2003
“…kid-friendly
Figaro…singable and child-appropriate…”
- Maclean’s, October 20, 2003
“…a
CD that is likely to make the opera cognoscenti cheer! Even children
who claim to loathe classical music in all its forms will find
themselves hoisting their plastic swords and leaping around off
the sofas in capes when they listen to this CD…”
- Avril Benoit, CBC Radio - Here & Now, October 14,
2003
"....much-loved
gems such as ‘La donna e mobile’ from Rigoletto or
‘Donde lieta usci’ from Madama Butterfly -- in English!....winning
offerings from tenor Michael Schade (‘La donna,’ etc.),
counter-tenor Daniel Taylor (‘Ombra mai lu’ (sic)
from Xerxes) and young Quebec soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (‘Caro
nome’ from Rigoletto). Others to listen for amid mostly
familiar mini-songs include sopranos Natalie Choquette and Laura
Whalen....accessible and useful for demystifying opera...."
- Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star, October 4, 2003
“Opera
purists restrain yourselves. This new CD commits the unthinkable…with
good reason: so that children can appreciate the lyrics and meaning
of the songs and, ultimately, learn to love opera…..many
parents, like myself…..will breathe a sigh of relief that
The Children’s Group (a Toronto company) has produced this
remarkable CD….Teachers will be particularly interested
to know there is also a Teacher’s Guide…”
- Deanna Fisher, City Parent, Toronto, ON, September
15, 2003
Online at http://www.cityparent.com/cityparent/20030915/5388.html
“…a
great opportunity to introduce your kids to opera….”
- Brooklyn Parent, Brooklyn, NY, October 2003
*Starred
review "....performed
by a talented cast including tenor Michael Schade, baritone Allan
Monk and mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell. As an important educational
element, the translations by librettist Daniel Libman and producer
Mark Goldman remain true to the meter, rhyme and rhythm of the
composers' original languages. Five of the arias are repeated
as instrumentals, giving aspiring singers the chance to exercise
their pipes.....The CD cover, featuring a smiling girl in full,
slightly askew Viking regalia is a fun bonus"
- Shannon Maughan, Publishers Weekly, September 8, 2003
