UNews - Opera Workshop

Britain and Britten share the stage

trevor.kenney — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 22:14:45 +0000

It’s a British invasion of operatic proportions!

With a nod to both British opera and British composer, Benjamin Britten, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Opera Workshop presents a sparkling sampler of engaging English opera Nov. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

The Opera Workshop offers a unique evening of entertainment.

“This year is Britten’s death centenary and a good opportunity to celebrate his influence and brilliance as one of Britain’s most famous contemporary composers,” says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop conductor. “Britten’s works are complex, dramatic and challenging. Our program reflects some of his great compositions and is a good introduction to his repertoire for both audiences and our student ensemble.”

The talented cast of the U of L’s Opera Workshop present scenes from Britten’s Billy Budd, The Rape of Lucretia, Peter Grimes and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

As well, the evening’s offerings include repertoire by British composers, Henry Purcel, and Gilbert and Sullivan.

“We are also performing a sampling of George Frideric Handel’s Julius Cesar and Rodelinda,” Hendsbee adds. “Although Handel was Italian, his operas were wildly popular in England.”

The program finale is a sneak preview of Opera Workshop’s upcoming fully staged production of The Marriage of Figaro.

“Audiences can whet their appetite for our spring production,” says Hendsbee. “It’s a night that has something for everyone!”

Tickets for Opera Workshop’s performances of The Best of Britten and Britain are available at the U of L Box Office (Open Monday to Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616). Tickets are priced at $20 regular, $15 seniors/alumni and $12 students.

Tickets are also available online uleth.ca/tickets.

All in the Family opens Friday

trevor.kenney — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:33:37 +0000

It's a glitzy night of gowns, tuxedos, magnificent melodies and sparkling solos as Opera Workshop comes together for All in the Family, two nights of memorable operatic performances, Nov. 4-5, at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

All in the Family unites the vocal talents of Opera Workshop students with an engaging program of repertoire that focuses on family.

"Each scene features at least one familial relationship, be that brother and sister, mother and son, father and son, newlyweds or even chosenfamily, such as close friends," says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, director. "We are staging scenes from well-known operas including Hansel and Gretel, The Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, the Pirates of Penzance and the Gondoliers, to name a few. With such a wonderful group of singers, including many new voices to Opera Workshop, the energy will radiate off the stage. Our singers bring such an incredible sense of vocal athleticism, polish and refinement to their scenes."

Tickets are $15 regular, $10 seniors/students and are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office.

Opera Around the World

trevor.kenney — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:15:03 +0000

One night, 11 countries and 20 operas are on the menu as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Opera Workshop celebrates with Opera Around The World.

The Opera Workshop takes audiences on an operatic adventure presenting both familiar favourites and new classics, by composers representing a host of different countries. Enjoy an evening of operatic masterpieces, Nov. 5-6 at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

"The program features compositions from four continents and 11 different countries," says Dr. Sandra Stinger, director. "The music introduces audiences to the people, cities and cultures of various places around the globe, including Spain, Russia, Austria and China."

Opera Workshop students have been hard at work this semester, perfecting selections from Merry Widow, Carmen, Madame Butterfly and Westside Story.

"We are also performing an exciting sample from Eugene Onegin, by Tchaikovsky," says Stringer. "Our program also presents composer's interpretations of foreign countries, such as, Turandot, which was Puccini's Asian-inspired interpretation of China."

With more than 25 performers, Opera Workshop performances are grand in every sense. From the gowns and tuxedos, to the choreography and tremendous vocal talents of the students, Opera Around the World is a classy night of entertainment.

Tickets are available for $15 regular, and $10 for seniors and students at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616), open Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Opera event a worldwide affair

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:45:07 +0000

One night, 11 countries and 20 operas are on the menu as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Opera Workshop celebrates with Opera Around The World.

Opera Workshop students have been hard at work this semester, perfecting selections from Merry Widow, Carmen, Madame Butterfly and Westside Story.

Tickets are available for $15 regular, and $10 for seniors and students at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616), open Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Ensembles come together

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:39:33 +0000

For the first time on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, each individual student music ensemble comes together in one performance – to celebrate the installation of President Michael Mahon.

Ensemble Extravaganza, on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, includes performances by the U of L Singers, Vox Musica Choir, Women's Chorus, Wind Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Global Drums, Trumpet Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and a staged operatic excerpt by the Opera Workshop.

"Last year, we had some concerts where various ensembles shared the stage, and it was evident these concerts were great experiences for both the audiences and the ensembles," says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, co-ordinator of the Ensemble Extravaganza.

The ensemble directors share her sentiments, and the presidential installation provides the perfect opportunity to bring all the ensembles together on a grand scale.

With the concert only a month into the semester, getting repertoire together in such a short time span is a challenge.

"Without question, the timing of this event pushes our ensembles to reach their best potential in a limited timeframe," Youngdahl says. "However, the concert also showcases the wealth of musical talent that shines in our ensembles. It is an evening not to be missed."

Tickets for Ensemble Extravaganza are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616) and are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 for student/senior. Box Office hours are 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Ensembles come together

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:08:27 +0000

For the first time on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, each individual student music
ensemble comes together in one performance – to celebrate the installation of President Michael Mahon.

The ensemble directors share her sentiments, and the presidential installation provides the perfect opportunity to bring all the ensembles together on a grand scale.

With the concert only a month into the semester, getting repertoire together in such a short time span is a challenge.

Events Calendar - September

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:43:48 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Sept. 25 | Canada West Soccer
Women – Regina vs. Horns, noon
Men – Trinity Western vs. Horns, 2 p.m.
Community Sports Stadium

Sept. 26 | Canada West Soccer
Women – Manitoba vs. Horns, noon
Men – UBC vs. Horns, 2 p.m.
Community Sports Stadium

Oct. 2 | Canada West Soccer
Calgary vs. Horns | Women at noon, men at 2 p.m. | Community Sports Stadium

Lectures

Sept. 15 | Art Now: Sculptor, Faye HeavyShield | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 17 | Art Now: Jamelie Hassan
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 20 | Art Now: Caitlin Jones (Western Front executive director)
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 20 | Architecture & Design Now: John Savil and Dan Westwood
Discussing the Southern Alberta Art Gallery renovation and addition
6 p.m., C610

Sept. 22 | Art Now: Artist, writer and curator, Jeffrey Spalding | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 23 | Owen G. Holmes Lectures: Michael Shermer | Why People Believe Weird Things | 7 p.m., PE250

Sept. 24 | Prentice Institute Brown Bag Series: Dr. Raphael Lencucha
International Trade and Chronic Disease: Making the Link | Noon, Prentice Boardroom (L1102)

Sept. 27 | Art Now: Catherine Crowston (Art Gallery of Alberta)
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 27 | Architecture & Design Now: Catherine Crowston (Art Gallery of Alberta) | 6 p.m., C610

Sept. 27 | Georgina Beyer, New Zealand Member of Parliament
Overcoming Barrier: A Discussion with the World's First Trans MP | 7 to 9 p.m., Ballroom B, Students' Union

Sept. 29, Oct. 1 | Art Now: Michael Morris & Vincent Trasov | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 30 | Discovery Lecture Series: You Can't Spin Mother Nature
James Hoggan discusses the energy sector and the scientific debate on climate change | 7 p.m., PE 250
Free admission

Oct. 4 | Dutch installation artist, Susanne Bruynzeel | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 4 | Architecture & Design Now: Robert Steven | 6 p.m., C610

Oct. 6 | Art Now: Animator & Illustrator, James Brathwaite
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 6 | CRDC Presents: Doug Phillips | An Introduction to WestGrid
12:30 to 1:30 p.m., CRDC L1126

Oct. 8 | Art Now: Painter, Alexander Irving | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 8 | Women Scholars Speaker Series: Helen Kelly | The Clinical Impact of eHealth on the Self-Management of Diabetes | 3 to 5 p.m., AH100

Oct. 13 | Art Now: Writer, Simon Houpt | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Performances

Sept. 21 | Music at Noon: Dale Ketcheson (guitar) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 28 | Music at Noon: Margaret Mezei (clarinet); Thomas Staples (horn); Glen Montgomery (piano)
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 5 | Music at Noon: Piotr Grella-Mozejko (ensemble) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Oct. 12 | Music at Noon: Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 | TheatreXtra presents Muse Control | A struggling writer's life begins to fall apart when he takes in a muse | 8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre. Matinee, 2 p.m., Oct. 2

Oct. 5 | Ensemble Extravaganza!
U of L Singers, Wind Orchestra, Global Drums, Opera Workshop, Jazz Ensemble, Vox Musica, Collaborative Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Women's Chorus | 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Oct. 8 | Homecoming
Musaeus String Quartet premiere's Passacaglia for Oboe and String Quartet | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church

Miscellaneous

Sept. 12 to Oct. 24 | Shifting Myths
Helen Christou Gallery

Sept. 23 | Women Scholars Speaker Series: Fall Reception | Wine and cheese reception to introduce speaker series lineup | 3 to 5 p.m., AH100

Sept. 23-24 | Auditions for Spring Awakening | Open call auditions for play to be presented Nov. 24-28,
6 to 10 p.m. each day, W425

Sept. 25 | Get to Know You 5K Fun Run/Walk | Meet President Mike Mahon and benefit KidSport Alberta
Registration at www.uleth.ca/sportrec | 10 a.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre

Sept. 29 | Career Fair
Employers visit the U of L campus
All day, 1st Choice Savings Centre track

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.

Opera Goes to the Movies this weekend in Recital Hall

trevor.kenney — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:33:51 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Faculty of Fine Arts presents a unique twist on opera this weekend as it celebrates 10 years of the Opera Workshop. Opera Goes to the Movies runs Friday and Saturday nights at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

"Opera Workshop is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season," says musical director and Music faculty, Dr. Blaine Hendsbee. "This is an exciting and challenging season for us because of the number and variety of productions we are producing this year."

In addition to Opera Goes To the Movies (Oct. 23-24), Hendsbee and company will present Amahl and the Night Visitors (Dec. 5-6) and Dialogue of the Carmelites (Feb. 26- 27).

"I try to choose themes for our performances that are appropriate for students and that audiences can relate to," says Hendsbee. "Our first production, Opera Goes To The Movies, is a musical potpourri of operatic styles and themes from high drama to lighter comedic moments."

Challenging repertoire and lyrical melodies merge, creating an uplifting and varied program. Shows run Friday and Saturday, nightly at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

"A lot of movies emphasize key moments in the script with famous opera repertoire such as La Boheme in Moonstruck or excerpts from Madame Butterfly in Fatal Attraction," he says.

Audiences can also look forward to familiar classics such as the Flower Duet, O Mio Babbino Caro and selections from The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata. Charming, elegant and enlightening, Opera Goes To The Movies is first-class entertainment, something Opera Workshop audiences have come to expect over the past 10 years.

Tickets are $15 regular, $10 student/senior and on sale at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616), open weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

UNews - Opera Workshop

Britain and Britten share the stage

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All in the Family opens Friday

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Opera Around the World

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Ensembles come together

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Ensembles come together

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Events Calendar - September

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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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Opera Goes to the Movies this weekend in Recital Hall

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