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Opera
Michael Forest and Byron Jones, Coordinators of Opera Activities
Three unique opera offerings illuminate the stages of Shenandoah Conservatory
this season with everything from a fully-staged production with full orchestra to intimate opera scenes. All productions feature top emerging vocal talent under
the direction of leading artistic directors in the opera world.
MAINSTAGE OPERA
Le Donne Curiose (The Curious Women)
by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari
Pat Diamond, Director
Jan Wagner, Conductor
Friday, November 18, 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 19, 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 20, 2:30 p.m.
Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre
This comical Italian opera tells the tale of desperate housewives who go to great lengths to discover their husbands' goings-in at a men's only club. This production of The Curious Women was originally created for the Wolf Trap Opera Company.
Pat Diamond has directed numerous projects in both the opera and theatre world. He has worked with many prestigious companies including the Dallas Opera, Baltimore Opera, Wolf Trap Opera and the Aspen Music Festival. A graduate of Tufts University and Yale University, Diamond is also currently Director of the Yale Summer Drama program.
OPERA UP CLOSE
Creating the Dramatic Character
Lauren Flanigan, Visiting Artist and Creative Director
Byron Jones, Assistant Director
Friday, April 20, 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 21, 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 22, 2:30 p.m.
Shingleton Dance Space
Back by popular demand, OPERA UP CLOSE returns for an entirely new and entertaining opera double bill featuring two one-act operas by American composers. Ned Rorem’s Fables is a collection of five mini-operas based on the fables of Jean de la Fontaine. Vinkensport (The Finch Opera) by up-and-coming composer David T. Little (with libretto by Royce Vavrek), tells the story of the human condition and one's obsession with winning at all costs.
Soprano Lauren Flanigan has performed in numerous productions at major opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera.
She is a champion of works by living composers and a mentor to aspiring and emerging singers.
DIRECTIONS TO SHINGLETON DANCE SPACE
Shingleton Dance Space is located on University Drive (next to the Brandt Student Center). Entering the campus from Millwood Avenue, take University Drive (second right if coming from I-81) and follow it around Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre (the O-B Theatre will be on your right if you're on University Dr.). You'll also see basketball courts on your right (behind O-B Theatre). Proceed through the stop sign and you'll see Brandt Student Center in front of you on the left. The entrance to Shingleton Dance Space is just past the entrance to the Student Center (towards the top of the hill on your left). The most convenient parking is located in the garage or open lot next to the Brandt Student Center.
Opera Up Close 2011, Gianni Schicchi
Photo by Rhianna Nissen
