+++
author = ["authors/jenna.md"]
categories = "News"
date = "2017-07-04T17:11:00-06:00"
draft = true
lastmod = "2017-07-05T15:28:00-06:00"
primary_image = "https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1545409169/media/webhook-uploads/1499209889954/2017-07-05---SchoolyardCarmen02.jpg.jpg"
related_articles = ["articles/dont-miss-shoestring-operas-hansel-gretel.md","articles/back-to-school-opera-a-practical-glossary.md"]
related_companies = ["scene/companies/shoestring-opera.md"]
related_people = ["scene/people/janaka-welihinda.md"]
short_description = "For over 10 seasons, Shoestring Opera has performed for sold-out audiences, adapting operatic classics for young audiences to enjoy. The Schoolyard Carmen brings together soprano Gillian Grossman, baritone Janaka Welihinda, pianist Jiayin Liu, and cellist/executive producer Anne Rankin."
slug = "dont-miss-schoolyard-carmen-at-tsmf"
title = "Don&#039;t miss: Schoolyard Carmen at TSMF"
+++

This month kicks off the 2017 [Toronto Summer Music Festival](http://www.torontosummermusic.com/2017-festival/) (**July 13-August 5**), and the event line-up includes Shoestring Opera's family-friendly *The Schoolyard Carmen*. Part of TSMF's **free** series of kids' concerts, [*The Schoolyard Carmen*](http://www.torontosummermusic.com/2017-festival/kids-concerts-free/july-26-schoolyard-carmen-kids-concert-2/) plays on **July 24, 10am** at Walter Hall, 80 Queen's Park, Toronto.

For over 10 seasons, [Shoestring Opera](/scene/companies/shoestring-opera/) has performed for sold-out audiences, adapting operatic classics for young audiences to enjoy. *The Schoolyard Carmen* brings together soprano [Gillian Grossman](/scene/people/gillian-grossman/), baritone [Janaka Welihinda](/scene/people/janaka-welihinda/), pianist Jiayin Liu, and cellist/executive producer Anne Rankin.

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1545409169/media/webhook-uploads/1499214656514/2017-07-05---JanakaGillian.jpg.jpg)
<figcaption>Baritone Janaka Welihinda and soprano Gillian Grossman.</figcaption>
</figure>

"Shoestring Opera's Carmen is a feisty little girl with a dark past. Adopted by a Canadian uncle, she is a newcomer to this country struggling to fit in. She loves to dance, and sing, and is fiercely independent. When Tory Adair, 'the coolest kid in school', tries to bully her, she stands up to him. When he calls her and her dancing 'stupid', she flies into a rage and chases him all around the schoolyard. But this lands her in a whole lot of trouble and she is sent to the Principal's office—on her first day at school!"

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1545409169/media/webhook-uploads/1499214666870/2017-07-05---JiayinAnne.jpg.jpg)
<figcaption>Cellist and Shoestring Opera Executive Director Anne Ranking (left) and pianist/board member Jiayin Liu.</figcaption>
</figure>

Admission is free, but you might want to [click here](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tsm-kids-concert-schoolyard-carmen-tickets-34513128697) to reserve your spot to Shoestring Opera's *The Schoolyard Carmen*. Find out more details [here](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tsm-kids-concert-schoolyard-carmen-tickets-34513128697).

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1545409169/media/webhook-uploads/1499214676143/2017-07-05---TSMF-Schoolyard-Carmen-poster.jpg.jpg)
<figcaption></figcaption>
</figure>
