In the middle of February 20 schools received notes of well-known opera and ballet pieces by Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, Wagner and other composers. With guidance from the National opera Estonia the preparations for the youth opera project „Love for contraband“ took off. During the project „Let’s do opera“ 300 kids from all over Estonia will act as singers, dancers, musicians, artists, decorators, dressmakers, stage masters, playwrights etc. – most professions within an opera house are represented. They will all meet just for one short weekend and on 13 March the result of this crazy adventure will be in front of audiences.
 
European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011 has supported the event as its aim is also to bring the magic of music of the capital’s largest theatre closer to the youth of Estonia. So far the summer-project of the National opera „Let’s do opera“ has been aimed at kids in Tallinn, this time however youth from high schools from Pärnu, Tartu, Ida- and Lääne-Viru, Harju, Rapla and Saaremaa counties are also participating.

„Love for contraband“ is a performance based on hits of classical opera and ballet music that is looking for solutions of today’s problems: lack of money, bank loans, economic crises and possible end of the world. Is there room for dreams and hopes in the midst of all that? Will love save the world or has it become contraband today?

The young stars are being guided by conductor Priit Aimla, director Ivo Eensalu, choreographer Lemme Saarma, stage artist Jane Kaas, youth worker Mailis Kuur and many other staff from the National opera Estonia as well as fans and volunteers.

The performance lasts 45 minutes, tickets at 7 EUR are on sale at Estonia box office, Piletimaailm and Piletilevi.