At 11, composer about to premiere first full opera

Alma Deutscher is a composer, virtuoso pianist and concert violinist who wrote her first sonata five years ago and whose first full opera will have its world premiere next month. Which is special only because she is 11.

Time-worn associations with Mozart, who wrote his first symphony at age 8, may come to mind. So can questions whether Alma's unique talent could get in the way of a happy childhood. But fresh from rehearsal, Alma laughs dismissively.

"I think for me it's more interesting to be Alma" instead of Mozart, she says. And being special "is really normal because I don't know anything else."
 

When not living music, the child prodigy from Dorking, England, is busy scraping her knees climbing trees, meeting friends on the playground, swimming and many other activities that an 11-year-old would enjoy.

But when focused on her passion, she's all business. Rehearsing "Cinderella" recently, Alma gave instructions and sang phrases in a clear child's soprano, switching from piano to violin and back as she accompanied the soloists. It all seemed effortless. But the slight child in the red woolen tights and floral print dress was clearly in charge - and enjoying running the show.

The energy doesn't stop flowing off stage. Alma doesn't even try to sit still, gesturing and fidgeting as she talks about "Cinderella." She says she's "extremely excited" at the prospect of the Dec. 29 premiere.

"I can't wait until everything will come together," she says. "I dream about how it's going to look like on the stage."

Zubin Mehta, the patron of "Cinderella," is only one of today's conducting greats awed by her talent. Simon Rattle says he is "absolutely bowled over" by her and Daniel Barenboim has used similar terms. Violin virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter describes Alma's performing and composing talents as "absolutely extraordinary.