Island Students go to the Opera

Island Students in front of the opera house. Peter Ralston

On May 2, nearly 300 island students, teachers and parents traveled to Westbrook, Maine (near Portland) for the Boston Lyric Opera's performance of composer Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel."   They came from as far away as the Downeast islands of Islesford and Frenchboro and represented 11 schools on 10 islands.  This annual event has become one of the most popular and eagerly anticipated programs that the Island Institute coordinates, and it is made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.  The attendance this year was the largest yet, and the students, ranging from preschool to eighth grade - as well as the adults - were enthralled as soon as the auditorium lights dimmed.