The Emily Hammood Opera for Youth Bibliography
Opera for Youth was established as a non-profit service organization for the field of opera/music theater. It was dedicated to encouraging the creation of operas that could be performed by children and adults in schools, community organizations, theaters and opera companies. It also sought to support composers and librettists, and it promoted the study and publication of writings about opera/music theater for young performers and young audiences.
According the original charter, the objectives of Opera for Youth are:
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to encourage the production of new and lesser known children’s operas |
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to encourage the creation of children’s operas with children and/or adults in the casts |
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to discover increased means of providing opportunities for recreational and pre-professional training in children’s opera production and to promote participation in professional opera productions by young people |
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to encourage the development of materials and techniques applicable to children’s operas in the aesthetic education of young people |
Since its inception in 1977, Opera for Youth has operated independently and has partnered with such organizations as the Children’s Theatre Association and the National Opera Association. Now, Opera for Youth begins a new phase under the leadership of OPERA America.
The constant and driving force behind the organization was one of its founders, Emily Hammood. For her insight, determination and devotion to opera for young people, I am pleased to dedicate this bibliography in her name.
When Emily passed in 2004, she requested that donations be made to Opera for Youth. Carlene Mills, Emily’s assistant and secretary of Opera for Youth, lost her son at the same time as Emily’s passing. Carlene also requested that donations in her son’s name, Stephen Carl Pennington, be made to Opera for Youth. These donations have been significant in making this bibliography possible. I am grateful to those who contributed, and I am grateful to OPERA America for preserving the wonderful resource of opera for children.
Respectfully,
Cal Brackin,
Historian and Executive President, Opera for Youth