Opera Heroes 2026
For all children aged 6 to 13 who love singing, acting, dancing and performing, Dutch National Opera & Ballet will organise an Opera Heroes programme from 18 April to 9 May 2026 (partly during the May holidays), including participation in the Children’s Chorus Festival on Sunday 24 May 2026.
“Are you afraid in the woods?”
To mark the tenth edition of the Children’s Chorus Festival, children’s book author Jan de Kinder has created an adaptation of his book Ben je bang in het bos, grote wolf? Composer and arranger Toek Numan is writing a song for a soloist, children’s chorus and ensemble based on this story. The Opera Heroes will be working with this song.
Creating a performance together
As an Opera Hero, you’ll learn a specially composed song. Together with a professional conductor, choreographer, soloist and pianist, you’ll create a short performance. You’ll perform this piece for parents and others, and during the Children’s Chorus Festival, you’ll sing the song together with 250 other children from all over the Netherlands on the main stage of Dutch National Opera & Ballet.
Composition Toek Numan
Text Jan de Kinder
Coordination and musical direction Frederike Palmen
Choreography t.b.a.
Pianist / rehearsal pianist Charlie Bo Meijering
Soloist t.b.a.
Opera Heroes
Location
The rehearsals and presentation for Opera Heroes will take place at Dutch National Opera & Ballet (Waterlooplein 22, Amsterdam). Participants are required to arrange their own transport to the theatre. The children will be supervised and guided during the workshops.
Dates 2026
- Saturday 18 April 2026
10:00–13:00 (kick-off) - Saturday 25 April 2026
10:00–15:00 - Tuesday 28 April 2026
10:00–15:00 - Wednesday 29 April 2026
10:00–15:00 - Thursday 30 April 2026
10:00–15:00 - Friday 1 May 2026
10:00–15:00 - Saturday 9 May 2026
10:00–15:00 (including a presentation for family in Studio Boekman at Dutch National Opera & Ballet) - Sunday 24 May 2026
11:00–17:00 (Children’s Chorus Festival)
Costs and registration
The fee for taking part in Opera Heroes is €45 (for the full project), which also covers participation in the Children’s Chorus Festival. Use the link below to sign up.
Attendance
Taking part in Opera Heroes is an educational and enjoyable experience. It is important that all participants attend all rehearsals.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Education, Participation and Programming department of Dutch National Opera & Ballet via zingen@operaballet.nl