Family opera in two acts

This is our next proposal for an opera aimed at children's audiences, following works such as Britten's "The Little Sweep" and Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel." The well-known tale by Collodi, set to music by Jonathan Dove, has been vividly portrayed through vocal and instrumental means, with each character and dramatic situation brought to life through music that is both ear-catching and clear, enhancing its appeal. The opera is lyrical and witty, with illustrative elements and surprising changes in mood and sound in each scene.

This two-act opera was commissioned by Opera North in collaboration with Sadler's Wells Theatre, with its premiere taking place on December 21, 2007, at the Grand Theatre in Leeds. Directed by Martin Duncan, and conducted by David Parry, the performance was enthusiastically received by young audiences, while adults found Dove's music and vocal creations satisfying even for the most discerning opera…