Short Opera Scenes to be Presented April 14
A variety of short scenes from eleven of the most well-known operas will be presented by Converse Opera Theatre during its annual Opera Scenes program at 8 pm Monday, April 14 in Daniel Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
In all, 28 performers will present scenes from Cosi fan tutte , Giulio Cesare , The Medium , The Tales of Hoffmann , The Ballad of Baby Doe , The Marriage of Figaro , Carmen , Peter Grimes , Der Freischütz , Magic Flute and Der Rosenkavalier .
Between each scene, guest lecturer Stafford Turner will provide commentary regarding the composers, the operas and the characters. Dr. Keith Jones, Associate Professor of Voice and Choirs at Converse, will conduct and Mildred Roche will provide accompaniment.
According to Opera Scenes director Rebecca Turner, Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Converse Opera Theatre, the event serves as an educational experience for performer and audience member alike. “The average length for each scene is approximately five to seven minutes however a couple of them are in the 10-12 minute range. In addition to Opera Scenes being a very good opportunity to gently introduce opera to the community, it can also give our performers who have not been in an opera the opportunity to experience what it takes to handle a full operatic role.”