When it comes to kids and opera, no one does it better than L.A. Opera. Every summer, they open their intensive two-week program Opera Camp to 50 area youngsters ages 9 to 17, who train to become singers. Are they successful? Well, the proof lies in the pudding, or rather, the opera — which this year is The White Bird of Poston. The 47-minute children's opera by composer and noted tenor Eli Villanueva, with libretto by Leslie Stevens, explores intercultural friendship. Set during WWII in a Japanese internment camp on Arizona's Colorado River Indian Reservation, it centers around the relationship between a Japanese girl and a Native American boy who, in the midst of oppression and confinement, learn about each other's cultural heritage and traditions, as well as open-mindedness and tolerance. While the production features several professional singers and musicians, the students will form a very active chorus, playing “Japanese-American internees, American soldiers and the animals of the desert.” Sounds like inspiring entertainment for the whole family. Barnsdall Art Theater, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd.; Fri., Aug. 10, 7 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 11, noon & 2 p.m.; advance tickets required. (213) 972-8001.

Fri., Aug. 10, 7 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 11, 12 & 2 p.m., 2012

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