UNews - Opera Workshop director

Three operas for one price

trevor.kenney — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:59:11 +0000

Three perfectly poignant pieces grace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall stage as Opera Workshop presents, An Evening of Chamber Opera, Feb. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. nightly.

A 'retro' trip from the 1930s to the 1950s, the operatic samples on the program feature rarely performed works by composers Samuel Barber, Joseph Haydn and Gian Carlo Menotti.

The concert begins with Samuel Barber's, A Hand of Bridge, where four friends have met for their regular bridge night.

"The opera is the exact length of a game of bridge," says Dr. Sandra Stringer, Opera Workshop director. "We are exposed to the characters' thoughts and their complicated relationships. We've set the opera in the 1950s, which gives it an interesting look – a lot of fun to see."

Haydn's, The Diva (La Cantarina), is a comedic opera in two acts.

"The opera revolves around the music lesson of a vocal student whose affections are sought by two competing gentlemen, one of them being her music teacher," explains Stringer.

Written in the 18th century, Stringer and company have transformed the opera to capture a nostalgic mood with set and costumes inspired by the 1940s.

The evening concludes with Menotti's, The Old Maid and the Thief, an opera originally composed for the radio in 1939.

"We're staging this opera rather than performing it as would be for the radio, a rarity for any audience to experience," says Stringer.

A vagabond, in search of room and board, happens upon the home of an old maid and her housekeeper. Feeling sorry for the old gentleman, the young servant invites him in. Enter the nosy neighbour, who interprets the vagabond's visit as a scandal.

Delightfully comedic and full of hilarious hijinx, The Old Maid and the Thief is sure to leave audiences in stitches.

To reserve seats for this unique night of operatic entertainment, visit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office or call 403-329-2616. Tickets are priced at $15 regular admission, $10 for seniors/students.

For a full look at the January issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Workshop takes on challenge

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:20:54 +0000

Riveting drama and shattering poignancy mark the operatic offering, The Dialogue of the Carmelites, Feb. 26-27 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

"This riveting dramatic work is a huge undertaking for student singers – professionals tremble at the prospect of this opera," says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop director. "That said, I believe this year, we're be up to the task – and the students are proving me right."

The Dialogue of the Carmelites by Francis Poulenc plays Feb. 26-27 at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

Set during the French Revolution, The Dialogue of the Carmelites follows an order of nuns and its newest addition, Blanche, through an epic journey of persecution and defiance as they ultimately pay the price to uphold their religious convictions.

"The depth and range of characters appeal to singers," Hendsbee says. "The musical score is complex and the story dramatic. It's about the struggle between religious freedom and society's role. Most poignant is the role faith takes in an individual's beliefs, and how far an individual will go to defend their beliefs."

Performed in English, the opera is a serious undertaking for any opera company.

"The music was written in the 20th century – it's very melodic and tuneful as well as magnificently powerful and very dramatic. It's a heavy night at the opera," he adds.

The scope of the production provides challenges, which Hendsbee and assistant director Dr. Sandra Stringer are ready to meet.

"With 16 different scenes throughout the opera where action takes place, it was a great challenge to ensure the changes happened seamlessly," Hendsbee explains.

A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by Glen Klassen, adds another glorious dimension to Poulenc's recitative.

"Although the opera is about subordination and persecution of women, it's truly an opera of women," he adds. "Men play a supporting role in this opera. The focus is on the relationships and struggles of these nuns."

Transformative and riveting, The Dialogue of the Carmelites transports audiences to a turbulent, dark and stark 18th century.

Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 student/senior at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, or by calling 403-329-2616.

The spirit of Christmas

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:36:21 +0000

The Christmas spirit comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as the Opera Workshop presents Amahl and the Night Visitors on Dec. 5 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and again on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the heart-warming story of an impoverished crippled boy, Amahl and his mother as they meet the Three Kings who are following a star to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. Through goodwill, sacrifice and kindness, Amahl discovers the power of miracles and the true meaning of Christmas.

"This opera is both funny and dramatic and the music is very approachable and listenable – perfect for the whole family," says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop Director. "Originally produced for television and composed by Gian Carlo Menotti, Amahl and the Night Visitors has become the most frequently performed one act opera of our time."

Featuring a talented cast and chorus of singers and dancers, Amahl and the Night Visitors showcases the high level of musicianship for which Opera Workshop is known. This 45-minute production immerses the audience in a fantastic land with beautiful sets and costumes.

"My colleagues in the Theatre and Dramatic Arts Dept. have been wonderful," says Hendsbee. "Leslie Robinson-Greene designed the gorgeous costumes, David Hignell designed the lighting, and David Barrus designed the set."

Start the holiday season with the joyful melodies of this beloved opera. Tickets for Amahl and the Night Visitors are $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).

Heartwarming Opera for Whole Family: Amahl and the Night Visitors, Dec.5

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:56:54 +0000

The Christmas spirit comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ when the Opera Workshop presents Amahl and the Night Visitors on Dec. 5 at 1 pm, 3 pm and 7 pm, and on Dec. 6 at 2 pm in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the heart-warming story of an impoverished crippled boy, Amahl and his mother as they meet the Three Kings who are following a star to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. Through goodwill, sacrifice and kindness Amahl discovers the power of miracles the and true meaning of Christmas.

Additional information can be found here.

Voices of Spring to be heard

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:07:42 +0000

The Viewing Gallery in the Galt Museum is the beautiful setting for a truly special spring brunch, underscored with performances from talented young artists immersed in the study of voice.

Voices of Spring, May 3 at 12 p.m., intersperses a champagne reception, expansive brunch and dessert buffet, with a silent auction and performances by the U of L Singers, vocal recital highlights and Opera Workshop scenes.

"The U of L offers one of the country's finest undergraduate vocal training programs," says
Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop director. "We give equal importance to classical vocal training, choral studies and opera, with an emphasis on honing technical skills and developing powers of musical interpretation, all in a nurturing and active performance environment."

Rarely is it possible to hear in one place at one time the variety of vocal performances that make up Voices of Spring.

Voices of Spring, a new fundraising and friend-raising event, provides support for choir tours, opera productions and guest lecturers for master classes.

Tickets are $95 each and include a $50 charitable tax receipt. Tickets are available by calling 403-329-2656.

UNews - Opera Workshop director

Three operas for one price

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Workshop takes on challenge

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The spirit of Christmas

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Heartwarming Opera for Whole Family: Amahl and the Night Visitors, Dec.5

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Voices of Spring to be heard

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