Così fan Tweette

It isn’t often that a middle school music teacher wins much attention or acclaim, not to mention the chance to be Cinderella at the ball for a night.

But in a scenario as intriguing as the opera plots that inspired it, Priscilla Barrow, a 22-year veteran of the D.C. public schools, has unexpectedly found herself the star of her own crowd-pleasing tale.

Curtain please! Here goes: A British opera blogger’s 140-character plot synopsis of Wagner’s Ring Cycle for a Twitter contest hosted by a Canadian music writer and judged by an Australian-American soprano garnered him a magical prize that he donated to a worthy music teacher, who therefore got to attend Washington National Opera's June 4th performance of "Turnadot" and the company's Opera Ball at the German Embassy the next evening.

There were even costumes: the Opera’s costume department lent Ms. Barrow an opera-worthy gown for the occasion.

Oregon-based Brit Stephen Llewellyn, the blogger for the Portland Opera, summed up Wagner’s masterpiece this way for the Twitter contest organized by music journalist Marcia Adair: “There was a young lady called Fricka Who . . . who . . . *snore* 'Wake up -- it's over.' It's good, I just wish it were quicka."

With his winnings in hand and a desire to spread the opera wealth around, he searched out a teacher who would be sure to enjoy the prize. Barrow, who teaches music at elementary schools in Northeast DC, is a deserving recipient. She actively engages arts organizations such as the Washington Performing Arts Society and the Shakespeare Theater to enrich her students’ education.

That’s what I call a good story. If only someone would set it to music.