Elgin-area students write, perform 'Violin of Destiny' opera

It had all the operatic elements: Love; jealousy; magical arrows and spells; a cursed violin; family revenge; even murder. But ultimately, thanks to heavenly inspired music, everyone is healed.

Short, but dramatic songs with vocalists backed by a five-piece orchestra.

The performances last week of "Violin of Destiny" marked the culmination of a 10-month effort by Elgin-based Hamilton Wings' SCORE! - Students Creating Opera to Reinforce Education. Students ages 10 through 13 from Elgin Area School District U-46 wrote, developed and produced their own original opera.

Performances of SCORE's 15th annual original production were held July 17-18 at Elgin Community College.

The after-school program provides SCORE! participants with more than 140 hours of training through exposure to professional artists and educators. The program is part of the nonprofit Hamilton Wings' mission is to promote leadership, self-development and academic readiness among socially or economically challenged children by providing access to the arts.

For details on the program, visit www.hamiltonwings.org/.