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The Elephant's Child
an opera for children (1994)
Premiere
This work has not yet been performed.
Instrumentation
6 voices: S,A,T,BarI,BarII,B a capella
alternate version:
S,A,T,BarI,BarII,B and piano
Duration
20'
Libretto
Daron Hagen, based on the Just So story by Rudyard Kipling (E)

Synopsis
This little opera is about the adventures that ensue when one begins asking questions. In the wilds of Africa, along the Limpopo River, the Elephant's Child (Alto) leaves home to find out how elephants got their trunks. This is the story of his journey. Along the way, he meets Koloko Bird (Soprano), Rudyard Kupling himself (Tenor), a Snake (Baritone), a Big Baboon (Baritone), and a Crocodile (Bass). The brief opera ends with the Elephant's Child's return home; everyone sings a lullaby setting of Kipling's famous poem, Six Honest Serving Men.
--- Daron Hagen, 2003