In writing an opera for young people around the ages of his own two children (who are 6 and 10), Mr. Bruce said he gave the work the same care and attention, if not more, as previous works intended for violinist Daniel Hope ("The Given Note, " a chamber work from 2011) or Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble ("Cut the Rug, " from 2013).

WSJ: Metropolis Ensemble Offers an Opera for the Elementary Set