Opera Sprouts
Opera Sprouts Initiative
The Opera Sprouts Initiative develops new operas to be performed for youth (Grades 3-6) through a year–long mentorship program. This mentorship program is focused on working with up–and–coming composers and librettist teams who are interested in writing an opera, for a small core of professional singers and piano, for a school tour on Vancouver Island and the mainland around Vancouver. A public submission process will culminate in two to three teams being selected through a jury process. Successful teams will have submitted new work proposals that demonstrate a readiness to create a full 45–minute work, and an awareness of the BC provincial education guidelines. Selected teams will receive guidance from experienced mentors from Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera and will also include knowledgeable industry professionals. The mentorship culminates in a public presentation of the works in the spring of 2026 and the announcement of the youth opera moving ahead to a full commission. The commissioned team will see their work tour British Columbia schools during the 2025-2026 season.
Inquiries – Rebecca Hass – [email protected]
Meet the Operas
Composer: Mishelle Cuttler
Librettist: Scott Button
Ten-year-old Hortense Mortense has big ideas—and an even bigger voice. After overhearing her parents talk about the world’s problems, she sets out to save the planet, starting with her backyard garden. Through comic duets, anxious arias, and vibrant ensemble numbers, Bossy Girl Saves the World explores environmental anxiety, friendship, and the power of collaboration.
“Saving the world is a group project. So is making opera.” – Button & Cuttler
Composer: Chris Thornborrow
Librettist: Sarah Henstra
In this lyrical animal fable, the disappearance of a wolf throws a riverside ecosystem out of balance. Told with humour, suspense, and inventive puppetry, Howl introduces students to the importance of apex predators and the fragility of interconnected systems.
“Like the echo of a distant howl, this opera lingers—asking questions about balance, fear, and belonging.” – Thornborrow & Henstra
The Tortoise and the Feast in the Sky
Composer: Tawnie Olson
Librettist: Blessing O. Nwodo
A clever tortoise tricks his way into a celestial feast—but learns that greed has consequences. This reimagining of a Nigerian folktale is rich with African rhythms, call-and-response, and powerful lessons about justice, community, and humility.
“We wanted to create a story that invites children to think deeply—while singing, dancing, and laughing.” – Tawnie Olson
A Mentorship-Driven Model
Opera Sprouts pairs emerging creators with some of opera’s most celebrated talents and educational leaders:
Program Mentors
- Ian Cusson – Composer
- Royce Vavrek – Librettist
Workshop Mentors
- Missy Mazzoli – Composer
- Kristine Kosolofski – Educator
In-House Mentors from Vancouver Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria
- Brenna Corner – Artistic Director
- Rebecca Hass – Director of Engagement and New Work
- Giuseppe Pietraroia – Principal Conductor
- Ashley Daniel Foot – Director of Engagement and Civic Practice
- Leslie Dala – Head of Music
- Nicole Lamb – Director of Artistic and Production
Workshops Offered
The Opera Sprouts creators took part in a series of targeted workshops to support the development of their operas, including:
- Writing for the Voice – Ian Cusson
- Libretto Workshop – Royce Vavrek
- The Sonic World – Ian Cusson
- Unveiling the Opera Production Process – Brenna Corner
- Opera for Youth in Schools: The Teacher’s Perspective – Kristine Kosolofski
- Creating an Opera – Missy Mazzoli & Royce Vavrek
Opera Sprouts reimagines what opera can be—vibrant, accessible, educational, and full of heart. These works will soon make their way into classrooms and performance spaces across British Columbia, inspiring a new generation of opera lovers, creators, and changemakers.