Woodland creatures sing a Bellini opera in beautiful short film

1 July 2020, 17:04 | Updated: 1 July 2020, 17:06

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

This charming short film takes us deep into the forest to enjoy a nocturnal opera, performed by an ensemble of beautifully animated woodland creatures.

Maestro by Illogic Studios and Bloom Pictures is a gorgeous short film, starring an ensemble of animated woodland creatures that gather under a full moon one night to sing a Bellini anthem.

Toads, hedgehogs and turtles star in the nocturnal opera, which is conducted by a rather beautiful CGI squirrel.

The music is ‘Squilla il bronzo del dio... Guerra, guerra’, the great chorus from Vincenzo Bellini’s opera Norma.

Turtles sing Bellini chorus
Turtles sing Bellini chorus. Picture: Illogic Studios/Bloom Pictures

In an interview with Vimeo, the film’s director explains why they chose the chorus:

“We spent two weeks listening to opera songs and ended up with this track from the famous Bellini opera Norma called ‘Guerra Guerra,’ which is a war anthem.

“The track had the epic, explosive vibe we wanted, and a female singer, which was necessary for the bird character.

“So, if you’re wondering what these animals are singing, they’re basically preparing the revolution!”

Opera aria played by animals | Maestro - CG short film by Illogic collective