Commissioned by HGO and underwritten by Connie Kwan-Wong Foundation, book by HGOco’s Dennis Arrowsmith available Nov. 5
Houston – October 24, 2018 – Houston Grand Opera and HGOco announce the launch of The Armadillo’s Dream, a children’s book authored by HGOco Touring Programs Manager Dennis Arrowsmith. This is HGO’s first-ever commissioned storybook, with underwriting by the Connie Kwan-Wong Foundation and CKW Luxe.
HGOco is the arm of HGO that explores making opera relevant to its changing audience by connecting the company with the Houston community through collaboration. The Armadillo’s Dream is available in hardback to the public starting Nov. 5 and can be purchased on the HGO website.
Through poetry and whimsical illustrations by Eduard Hakobyan, The Armadillo’s Dream tells the story of Sandy, an armadillo whose fondest wish is to sing onstage with Houston Grand Opera at the Wortham Theater Center. Arrowsmith, who adapted his story from a Bolivian folk tale, describes it as a “sweet story about the power of determination and resilience. I hope readers are moved and inspired by the armadillo’s journey.” Although Arrowsmith has written lyrics to songs in the past, this is his first book.
Sandy lives on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou and dreams of singing. It is his passion.Though discouraged by the creatures he meets, including a cricket, a frog, and some birds, Sandy is magically transformed during a violent storm. Soon after, his shell is discovered and proves to be the perfect musical instrument for scenes in Houston Grand Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers, which is coming to the Wortham Theater Center in January 2019.
The Armadillo’s Dream will become one of HGOco’s five opera-themed storybooks for Storybook Opera, where a singing storyteller brings a picture book to life for students in pre-K through second grade. It is available in English and in a Spanish translation by Alejandro Magallón. The book is a perfect addition to holiday gift lists for young children.
Dennis Arrowsmith of HGOco, part of Houston Grand Opera, is the author of The Armadillo’s Dream, a children’s storybook commissioned by HGO and underwritten by the Connie Kwan-Wong Foundation. Photo courtesy Houston Grand Opera.
For more information about HGOco and its programs, please visit houstongrandopera.org/community-programs.
About Houston Grand Opera
Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is one of the largest, most innovative, and most highly acclaimed opera companies in the United States. HGO was the only American finalist for Opera Company of the Year at the 2017 International Opera Awards. In fulfilling its mission to advance the operatic art to serve an ever-evolving audience, HGO has led the field in commissioning new works (65 world premieres to date) and in training and nurturing promising young artists and administrators. The company contributes to the cultural enrichment of Houston and the nation through a diverse and innovative program of performances, community events, and education projects that reaches the widest possible public. HGO’s pioneering community engagement initiative, HGOco, has served as a model for other arts organizations.
The NEXUS Initiative is HGO’s multi-year ticket underwriting program that allows Houstonians of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy opera without the barrier of price. Since 2007, NEXUS has enabled more than 250,000 Houstonians to experience superlative opera through discounted single tickets and subscriptions, subsidized student performances, and free productions.
HGO has toured extensively and has won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and three Emmy awards. It is the only opera company to win all three honors.