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Opera Scenes 2011: March 4, 5, 6 Tickets are available through the 1891 Fredonia Opera House and are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. |
This weekend, the Student Opera Theatre Association presents Opera Scenes, an annual event showcasing the talents of over 70 college students collaborating to re-create scenes from operas written by Henry Purcell, Michael Torke and Lee Hoiby.
Three performances will take place from March 4 to 6 at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, with 7 p.m. start times on Friday and Saturday, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Tickets are available through the Fredonia Opera House and are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens.
This year SOTA will present an act from Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas.” Written in 1689, it tells the story of two lovers brought together by chance and torn apart by the gods.
They will also present Michael Torke’s 1999 opera, “Strawberry Fields.” The story takes place in New York City’s Central Park, where an elderly woman plagued with Alzheimer's disease wanders into the park, thinking she is at the opera. The program concludes with the first act of Lee Hoiby’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s, “The Tempest,” providing a glimpse of the brilliant 1985 opera.
The students involved in the production have not only spent numerous hours rehearsing difficult music, they have also taken on the challenge of putting together the entire production. Under the guidance of five SUNY Fredonia faculty members, the students have spent the last six weeks designing costumes, collecting props, and creating and constructing the set.
“This production promises to showcase the diverse talents of the students at SUNY Fredonia,” said SOTA member Jason Weisinger regarding his experience working to create the production. “It’s been an incredible experience working on the other side of the stage, which has given me a new appreciation for opera and all that goes into it.”
SOTA is a student-run group whose purpose is to provide a source of education in the production and performance aspects of opera and vocal performance to the campus and community. The group presents opera through live performances, guest lectures and master classes.
For tickets, call the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Box office at 716-679-1891. To learn more, contact Jason Weisinger at weis0404@fredonia.edu.
