Mana and Mani facts for kids
Mana and Mani is a special opera made for children. It was written by a famous composer named Hossein Dehlavi in 1979. He created it as his gift for the "Year of the Child," which was a special year in 1979, and at the request of UNICEF.
The opera was very big, with 20 different parts and 520 pages of music! However, it could not be performed right away because of the Iranian Revolution happening at that time.
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What is an Opera?
An opera is like a play where all the words are sung instead of spoken. It combines music, singing, acting, costumes, and scenery to tell a story. Operas often feature a large orchestra and many singers. They can be very exciting and dramatic!
Why Was Mana and Mani Written?
Mana and Mani was created for a very special reason: the "Year of the Child" in 1979. This was a worldwide event organized by the UNICEF. UNICEF works to protect children's rights and help them around the world. Hossein Dehlavi wanted to contribute to this important year by creating a beautiful musical story just for kids.
The Impact of the Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution was a big change in Iran's government and society that happened around 1979. Because of the revolution, many things were put on hold, including artistic performances. This meant that even though Mana and Mani was ready, it could not be shown to the public when it was first finished. It had to wait many years before people could finally see and hear it.
Early Performances of the Opera
The opera Mana and Mani was first performed by Ali Rahbari and the Bratislava Philharmonic Orchestra. This early performance was a big step, but it did not include all the parts where many singers (a choir) sing together.
A More Complete Performance in Iran
Years later, in 2012, Mana and Mani was performed in Iran in a much more complete way. This was a huge effort involving about 250 people! The performance was led by Alireza Shafaghi Nejad and directed by Mohammad Aghebati. They also worked with Naser Nazar and the Pars music group to bring this amazing children's opera to life for a new generation.
