In this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores their favorite things. Genevieve visits the Santa Fe Opera to learn about opera behind the scenes, while Kodiak and Corbett take flight with the Young Eagles program, discovering the wonders of aviation. The crew also welcome special guests from Animal Humane New Mexico, who share insights on caring for pets. With great music and lively conversations, this episode celebrates the joys of favorite activities, animals, and adventures!

Do you have a favorite thing? Most of us have a few favorite things, like our favorite foods, or sports, or even songs. 

One of our Kids Crew members loves opera, but she had only experienced it as songs or movies, never in real life. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we explore our favorite things. Genevieve takes us on a journey to the Santa Fe Opera, where she attends her very first live opera, Tristan und Isolde. She interviews Chelsea Dennis, the production director, who explains the magic of opera, how it’s different from plays and musicals, and what it takes to bring a grand production to life.

Genevieve has always loved opera. She learned about it from hearing an opera on a radio program when she was two years old. 

Here she is dressed as Jezebaba from Rusulka. 

It’s easy to confuse opera with musicals, but here are the key ways opera is different:

Opera does not have spoken words that are not underscored with music.

Opera is underscored by a full orchestra.

Opera singers are trained as classical singers in opera and sing with their natural voice without amplification.

We also welcome special guests from Animal Humane New Mexico, who share how they care for pets and help find loving homes for animals in need. They explain the importance of adopting pets and what it takes to be a responsible pet owner, with advice for families thinking about adding a furry friend to their home.

Jeannie and Ferdinand from Animal Humane New Mexico

Kodiak and Corbit get an unforgettable experience flying in an airplane with the Young Eagles program. They learn about experimental airplanes, how they’re built, and the basics of flight from real pilots. The crew also interviews a retired Air Force instructor pilot and discovers what it’s like to see the world from high in the sky.