Wir bauen eine Stadt by Hindemith, From (2018/2018), Directed by Annamaria Stefanelli, Conductor Benjamin T Berman, Highland Park High School, Highland Park, United States

This production, like the opera, has been about community and bringing many people together to “build an opera.” Firstly, it has been such a pleasure to work with everyone on this project, from the staff at the Highland Park Schools and the teachers, to the lighting and custodial staff at the high school, and my colleagues at Hub City Opera, including our music director Benjamin Berman. A special thank you to Dr. Scott Taylor, Superintendent, and Mr. Anthony Benjamin, principal of the Bartle School. Most importantly are the students of Bartle Elementary School, who worked hard and whose enthusiasm to take on an opera is inspiring. (A special thank you to their parents — thank you for allowing them to participate and supporting them through the process.) As I studied the score and researched the music I was struck at how well the composer, Paul Hindemith, created a platform where the children’s creativity and excitement was the driving force behind the work. As a matter of fact, when composing We’re building a City (Wir bauen eine Stadt,1930), Hindemith would go each day to the Berlin school where the first performances were taking place and “make a note of the children’s suggestions.” He found them to be his hardest critics also! Our production emphasizes the creativity and enthusiasm of the children. Everything that happens is because of them, so our set designer, Rory Angelicola, and myself, chose to have them literally build their city in front of us piece by piece. I was also fortunate to have the 5th Grade Art Class participate in the opera, and make the signs that denote the various professions in the city. Everything in the city is bright and energized, just like the children that created it. Though We’re Building a City is not very long, it is about community, cooperation and fun. I hope you enjoy the opera as much as we did putting it together. We are very grateful to the Highland Park School System for trusting us with this project. Bravo to our students! — Annamaria Stefanelli, 2018