From humble beginnings to a career as an international opera singer, Mary Callaghan Lynch is on a mission to bring opera to the students of Detroit

(0:17) We meet the Callaghan family, huddled around the TV watching Giancarlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors.

(2:19) We hear about Mary’s successful career as an international opera singer and her opportunity to perform Amahl for the 50th anniversary with the composer himself serving as maestro. We learn how this performance inspired her to form an educational opera company of her own.

(5:10) Mary discusses her unique relationship as friend and voice coach to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

(7:15) We learn about all that goes into creating an opera experience of the highest quality to be brought to kids in schools, from singers to costumes to sets and beyond.

(10:59) Donna Rhodes, former Superintendent of Redford Schools, addresses the skepticism that some felt toward the initiative, but she affirms the overwhelming positive reception.Det

(14:00) We hear about the status of arts and music programs in schools today, and how Motor City Lyric Opera works to remedy that, bringing opera to over 70,000 students every year, and the notes and praise they’ve gotten in response.

Reporting by Maggie Bickerstaff; production and narration by Ron Pangborn