For over 14 years, Opéra Louisiane’s Young People’s Opera Program (YPOP) has brought free, live opera performances to students in the Greater Baton Rouge area, ensuring that every child has access to the transformative power of music and storytelling. Designed specifically for young audiences, YPOP offers an engaging introduction to opera through professional singers, costumes, props, and interactive discussions that connect classical music to modern storytelling.​
Why YPOP Matters
The need for music and the arts in schools has never been greater. Since COVID-19, anxiety disorders among children have doubled, with many struggling due to social isolation and a lack of creative stimulation. Live performances provide joy, inspiration, and emotional connection, helping students engage in new ways.
Since 2022, Opéra Louisiane has significantly expanded the reach of YPOP, allowing more students than ever to experience live opera in their own schools. The program initially launched as a single-venue event where schools were invited to attend a fully staged production. In response to evolving needs, YPOP transitioned into a school-based touring format, bringing opera directly into classrooms and auditoriums. This shift has made performances more accessible, allowing entire student populations to participate rather than limiting attendance to select grade levels. These performances are completely free for schools, breaking down financial and logistical barriers that often prevent students from engaging with live classical music. As the program continues to grow, more schools and students will have the opportunity to experience this unique educational and cultural offering.​
What to Expect from a YPOP Performance
Each YPOP production is carefully adapted for young audiences, making opera engaging, interactive, and educational. During a performance, students will:
-
Experience a live opera performance featuring professional singers and musicians
-
See vibrant costumes and props that bring the story to life
-
Learn about how opera influences popular music and modern storytelling
-
Participate in interactive discussions with Opéra Louisiane’s Artistic Director, Michael Borowitz
Help Bring Opera to More Students
These programs are completely free for schools, thanks to the generosity of our donors and grant funders. To keep YPOP accessible and allow us to reach even more students, your support is essential. Every dollar makes a difference in keeping the arts alive in schools and ensuring that every child has access to live music and storytelling.
​
Bring YPOP to Your School
If you are a music teacher, principal, or school administrator and would like to bring Opéra Louisiane’s Young People’s Opera Program to your school, please contact Opéra Louisiane for more information.
​
​Join us in bringing opera to the next generation—one school at a time.
