Calgary Opera’s new show is an adaptation of a beloved children’s fable about the power of a song. Composer Seymour Barab has created a playful, immersive kid-friendly adaption of the classic Pied Piper, a 45-minute long opera filled with adventure, magic, humour and melody. Pied Piper opens Nov. 13 and runs through Nov. 22 at Mamdani Opera Centre on Seventh Avenue S.W. Pied Piper is set in the mythical town of Hamelin, Germany, where town officials hire a travelling stranger who promises the tune he performs on a magic pipe will lure an infestation of rats away from it--only to discover that actions have consequences. “How thrilling to be leading this production of Pied Piper!” said director Samantha Currie, in a media release. “This marks my debut with Calgary Opera and I can’t think of a more delightfully whimsical story to share with our audiences. “I hope you will join us for Seymour Barabs’ adventure of truth and finding one’s place.” The event also features a variety of interactive lobby activities, including costume dress-up, an opera storybook zone, a photo area, arts and crafts and more. There’s even an audience participation moment that thrusts young audience members directly into the action during a show. Calgary Opera previously presented Barabs’ adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood in 2025. The opera’s director of learning and engagement, Stephania Romaniuk, says Pied Piper is an excellent introduction to the artform. “Discovering opera and the performing arts as a young person is a gift that will stay with children for their entire lives,” said Romaniuk, “Whether it is experiencing new sounds and (the) ways stories can be told, laughing at something unexpected and delightful coming to life in front of their eyes or spending precious moments bonding with family and friends.” For more information, go here.
