Prelude Opera

Opera for children

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house.

Maria Callas

Photos and Videos by Cursive Films

    About

    The mission of Prelude Opera is to bring opera to children. From Handel to John Adams and the Marriage of Figaro to Einstein on the Beach, operas contain some of the greatest music ever composed. Opera is a powerful artistic medium that brings together music and theater using one of the most fundamental instruments, the human voice. Learning the language of music has proven to play a compelling role in children’s intellectual development and is essential to one’s emotional well-being. Introducing children to opera exposes them to several of the greatest classical composers in the context of storytelling and theater. By enjoying family-friendly opera at a young age, children can develop a lifelong interest in this stunning musical-theatrical experience. My hope is for Prelude Opera to be a prelude to a lifelong enjoyment of opera and classical music.

    Christine Pulliam Melamed

    Christine Pulliam Melamed founded Prelude Opera in 2017 with the production of Three Little Pigs. As an opera coach and director, she has worked for the Atlantic Music Festival, Masterworks Festival, Opera Company of Brooklyn and Dramma per Musica.  A piano instructor since 1994, she was previously on the piano faculty of the Levine School of Music in Washington D.C. and currently teaches piano and music history at The King’s College.  Past solo and chamber performances include the Opus Nine Ensemble, The Washington Sinfonietta, University of Wisconsin, and Malacañang Palace in the Philippines. A fan of new music, she has premiered piano works by Frank Felice and Benjamin C. S. Boyle and an operetta by Joshua Bornfield. A native of Indianapolis, Ms. Melamed graduated from Butler University summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and minor in journalism. She received a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Maryland and a Master of Music in collaborative piano from The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.

    “My daughter was memorized with the singing and now often tells us she wants to be an opera singer. I appreciated the life lessons and morals that were interwoven into the stories. Prelude Opera gives kids a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to this beautiful art form and great storytelling.”
    Michelle Mullins Psychotherapist
    “It’s such a fun way to introduce kids to the beauty of opera and in such a whimsical way. I’m so supportive of the mission of the company that I’ve started volunteering to help out.”
    Dr. Henry Bleattler Professor of History and The Humanities, The King’s College
    “Prelude Operas are a treat to attend for families. My small children, who usually can’t sit still for anything, watched the entire performance with great interest. They loved that they could meet the singers afterwards.”
    Katie MartinezFounder of Elegantees
    “As a lover of opera, it was heartwarming to see the children having such a fun time at an ‘opera!’ I love that the opera was in a setting where every child could feel like they were part of the story.”
    Louise RogersJazz Vocalist, Founder of Jazz Wahi, Teacher at Medical Center Nursery School
    “Christine’s interpretation of a concept fairly abstract to young children was beautiful. She did that in a way where she respects storytelling, music and children. Nothing was stripped from authenticity but still appealing and amusing for both young viewers and their grownups. Music was divine, scenography impressive and cast talented and well rehearsed. Pure joy.”
    Ivana DrazicMontessori educator and mother of 8 year old
    Jack Copp, age 6LEGO creation of the opera Hansel and Gretel

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    Explore Our Past Operas

    The Billy Goats Gruff

    The Three Billy Goats Gruff is an arrangement by John Davies. A fun-filled, short family-friendly opera, it uses famous opera tunes by Mozart, Rossini and Donizzeti.

    The Three Little Pigs

    The Three Little Pigs was produced by Prelude Opera in 2017. Directed by Christine Pulliam Melamed, the opera by John Davies incorporates famous arias and ensembles from Mozart operas.

    Little Red Riding Hood

    Little Red Riding Hood was produced by Prelude Opera in 2021. Directed by Christine Pulliam Melamed, this classic by Seymour Barab was performed in Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan and streamed online.