Age 7-9 | Hardback | 64 pages | 250 x 200mm
Publication April 2019 | ISBN 9781912213863
Discover the thrilling story of opera with Jack, Megan and the time-travelling Trunk.
Go with them to Florence, Italy and back to 1597, the beginning of the Baroque era, to meet Professor Peri, the inventor of opera, Perfect Purcell, Too Hot to Handel, and a host of other barmy composers. All is fun and games until Cruel Cromwell arrives to stop the party. Will Jack and Megan find the courage to tackle the Dark Lord Protector and save opera from disappearing forever?
Join us on an unforgettable 500-year journey, told like never before.
The ABC of Opera tells thrilling children's stories about composers from the past 500 years up to today, by meeting the composers themselves and hearing their stories in a remarkable new series of four magical tales, as never told before.
Mark Llewellyn Evans is the founder and creative director of ABC of Opera Productions, which tours UK-wide introducing children to the stories and glories of the opera through music and storytelling. Mark is a professional baritone opera singer. His brother, Wynne Evans, is famous as the tenor Gio Compario in the GoCompare.com insurance adverts.
Karl Davies is an exciting new children's book illustrator whose debut work brings the cast and characters of the ABC of Opera vividly to life. Karl is a practicing landscape painter.
Reviews:
'a great read aloud book with verve, vim and vigour.' Armadillo Magazine, Oct 2019
'The pace and the characterisation are top-class. It's a page turner as well as being full of interesting facts.' Terry Deary, author of Horrible Histories
'A visual feast. The story of opera told in such a fun and engaging way.' Sir Bryn Terfel CBE, international opera singer
'I love the characters, Karl Davies’ zany illustrations are a joy, and there are concluding spreads giving information on instruments of the time, voice types and the composers. If the whole experience doesn’t leave youngsters eager to experience baroque music, especially opera, then nothing will. Bring on the next musical adventure.' Jill Bennett, Read Reading Hub
'Children will be introduced to musical terms, voice types and instruments in this richly informative and hilarious romp through 500 years of Baroque. It will help cultivate an appreciation for this uplifting and emotionally rich art form.' Zoe James-Williams, South Wales Evening Post
'Here is a unique book, the first in a series, that aims to tell the story of baroque music to a new, young (8+) audience. It’s an eye-catching and engaging volume and educational too. Further books on classical, romantic and modern music styles will follow... Opera is defined as a story set to music and this thrilling history of baroque music is aptly wrapped in a story that will delight and educate in equal measure. We can’t wait to read the rest of the series!' Family Bookworms
'...colourful, informative and riotously unstuffy. [...] The message is that Any Body Can enjoy opera. Hear hear – as Maestro Monte might quip.' Steph Power, BBC Music Magazine July 2019
'My daughter is loving Jack and Megan’s story and has been humming your ABC of Opera song, she is only 6 now and I can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store for her. This story and project is very beautiful.' Parent, Cheltenham Festival