Mice and Beans: The Opera
“When there’s room in the heart, there’s room in the house.”
This was the inspiration and theme for “Mice and Beans: The Opera,” commissioned by the San Diego North Coast
Singers to celebrate its 15th anniversary at the Birch North Park Theatre.
The Encinitas-based group commissioned New York composer Cary Ratcliff to write the opera based on the award-winning
book “Mice and Beans,” by acclaimed San Diego author Pam Munoz Ryan. The opera featured North Coast Singers’
children’s chorus in an innovative, audience-friendly format. Even those who did not think of themselves as opera buffs
were swept away by the comedic characters and splendid music.
In taking this exciting step, North Coast Singers
joined the Children’s Chorus of Washington and the renowned Los Angeles Children’s Chorus as frontrunners in developing
and performing a children’s opera. Composer Cary Ratcliff has worked for years composing vocal and theatrical music
of power and beauty. He is currently completing a new opera, “Eleni: The Opera,” based on the award-winning book
“Eleni” by Nicolas Gage, which will be featured in New York City Opera’s VOX showcase of new operas in May
2008.
The San Diego North Coast Singers are known throughout San Diego County for their joyous, spirited sound.
Sponsored by The San Dieguito Performing Arts Association and based in Encinitas, the program has four ensembles serving 140
children, in grades 2 through 12. The choir offers a first rate musical education while instilling a sense of worth in the
local community and fostering global understanding through the study of songs from many cultures.
