We attended a delightful performance and book presentation in the children's library of the Querétaro Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum). The book "Ópera", written by Juan Arturo Brennan and illustrated marvellously by Ericka Martinez, presents short descriptions and spectacular illustrations for 50 of the most famous operas of all time. An attentive audience of some 50 children and their parents enjoyed seeing and hearing performances by three opera singers. Ericka Martinez, the artist who created the illustrations, gave a short description of the wonders of opera. She was available also to sign copies of the book. At the conclusion of the program in the library, the baritone, Carlos Sanchez, led the children and parents on a procession (singing all the way) to the exhibit where prints of all the illustrations were hung on display. Altogether, we were impressed with the professional, well-designed, and beautifully executed effort to engage children in the splendors of opera.

Photos and videos: (scroll down)

• Book cover Book cover
• Page introducing section with opera summaries Page introducing section with opera summaries
• Illustration for "Marriage of Figaro" Illustration for "Marriage of Figaro"
• Page with illustration for "Madame Butterfly" Page with illustration for "Madame Butterfly"
• Page with illustration for "Aida" Page with illustration for "Aida"
• Erika Martinez showing book to children Erika Martinez showing book to children
• Lois about to get book signed Lois about to get book signed
• Erika Martinez signing book for Lois Erika Martinez signing book for Lois
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Mezzo soprano Elba Flores singing at the children's library in Museo de la Ciudad, Querétaro

 

Baritone Carlos Sanchez sings in children's library of Museo de la Ciudad, Querétaro

 

Soprano Aida Garcia sings in the children's library at Museo de la Ciudad, Querétaro