Opera take stage March 30 at Stephens Center
March 26, 2007
Taking the L.E. and Thelma E Stephens Performing Arts Center鈥檚 Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall stage for the first time, Opera ISU presents dramatic moments from the 18th through the 20th centuries in a workshop setting Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m.
The evening features a complete one-act chamber opera, Samuel Barber鈥檚 1959 鈥淎 Hand of Bridge.鈥� According to general director Kathleen A. Lane, the inner monologues of a bridge foursome impart urgency to seemingly banal interactions.
鈥淟ike so many artists during the 1950s, Barber became fascinated by psychoanalysis,鈥� Lane says. 鈥淭hese two married couples meet nightly for cards, yet remain terribly isolated. 鈥淎s repressed impulses surface from these characters鈥� streams of consciousness, adult themes emerge,鈥� she adds. 鈥淓ven though this opera has been in the standard repertory since the 鈥�50s, it might not be suitable for young children.鈥�
A total of 40 singers will perform excerpts from 鈥淥rpheus and Eurydice,鈥� by Gluck; 鈥淭he Magic Flute,鈥� by Mozart; 鈥淭he Barber of Seville,鈥� by Paisiello; 鈥淟a Cenerentola,鈥� by Rossini; 鈥淒er Freischuetz,鈥� by Weber鈥�; 鈥淒er Fliegende Hollander,鈥� by Wagner; 鈥淟a Traviata,鈥� by Verdi; 鈥淪treet Scene,鈥� by Kurt Weill; 鈥淭he Rape of Lucretia,鈥� by Benjamin Britten; and 鈥淭he Old Maid and the Thief,鈥� by Gian Carlo Menotti.According to Lane, programs of assorted scenes are only possible in alternating years when Opera ISU is not mounting a full production.
鈥淥ur singers need this opportunity to experience a broader range of roles,鈥� she points out.鈥淲hen we stage a full production, not everyone can be the star, and so talented singers sometimes end up underutilized,鈥� Lane notes. 鈥淔or that matter, a student who isn鈥檛 ready to master a landmark role like Violetta in 鈥楲a Traviata鈥� can grow vocally and dramatically by tackling a demanding scene from it."
鈥漈he entire cast feels the excitement of bringing Opera ISU to Jensen Hall for the first time," she says.鈥淭his stage has acoustics to rival the Metropolitan Opera or La Scala. Only faculty members and other professionals give solo recitals in Jensen, so this will be the first time our students feel the thrill of performing here as soloists.鈥�
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