Emerald City Opera 2015 line-up announced
Steamboat Springs — This summer, Emerald City Opera plans on reconceptualizing how the community perceives opera through its diverse lineup of events and performances.
“My focus is for people who have never tried opera before to give it a try this summer,” said Andres Cladera, new artistic director of Emerald City Opera. “We are trying to reach out to people who love opera but also people who want to take their kids to it and see a fun event.”
Featuring performers from the New York Metropolitan Opera, in addition to up-and-coming opera artists from across the country, this season will feature a number of concerts, happy hour “Opera Encounters,” master classes and full-stage productions throughout the month of August.
“I’m excited about this season’s lineup because it’s one of the most diverse offerings we’ve ever had,” said Jack Dysart, chairman/CEO on the board of trustees. “This year is the largest class we have had for the Opera Artist Institute. We are getting some of the best emerging singers who Andres personally auditioned.”
The organization’s Opera Artist Institute invites aspiring opera singers to Steamboat to work with professionals for a three-week intensive program. The internationally acclaimed professionals who will be leading workshops and the program include international opera star Michelle De Young, Elizabeth Futral and Tobias Picker. Each will lead a master class in Library Hall for the community to attend.
In addition, the community will have an opportunity to get to know the cast of “Candide” at the Open Encounter event to be held at Aurum Food & Wine on Aug. 10.
With a connection to the concert the Steamboat Springs Symphony Orchestra performed in March, the Emerald City Opera will perform a fully staged production of Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” on Aug. 15.
There will also be productions of Maurice Ravel’s “The Child and the Spells” and Lee Hoiby’s “Bon Appetit” on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15. Departing from traditional presentations of these productions, Cladera said the performances will be in English.
“I am very interested in engaging the community, and hopefully, the Steamboat audience will appreciate and enjoy all of the different voices we are bringing from the opera world,” Cladera said.
Emerald City Opera 2015 Summer Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 6: Opera on the Green — Yampa River Botanic Park, noon.
Opera and popular songs performed by singers from the Opera Artist Institute in collaboration with the Strings Music Festival “Concert on the Green” series.
Friday, Aug. 7: Arias concert — Bud Werner Memorial Library Hall, 7 p.m.
Favorite arias performed by the Opera Artist Institute singers, aspiring professional performers selected from nationwide auditions to participate in a summer training program in Steamboat Springs.
Saturday, Aug. 8: Master class with Elizabeth Futral — Bud Werner Memorial Library Hall, 3 p.m.
Performance master class taught by one of the leading coloratura sopranos in the world today.
Monday, Aug. 10: Master class with Michelle DeYoung — Bud Werner Memorial Library Hall, 3 p.m.
International opera star Michelle DeYoung comes to Steamboat to give entertaining and informative instruction to singers of the Opera Artists Institute.
Monday, Aug. 10: Opera Encounter — Aurum Food & Wine Restaurant, 5:15 p.m.
Fun social event and informative discussion with the cast of “Candide”; includes appetizers and wine.
Friday, Aug. 14: Maurice Ravel’s “The Child and the Spells” and Lee Hoiby’s “Bon Appetit” — Julie Harris Theater at the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, 7:30 p.m.
The production will be performed in English.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Maurice Ravel’s “The Child and the Spells” and Lee Hoiby’s “Bon Appetit” — Julie Harris Theater at the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, 7:30 p.m.
The production will be performed in English.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” — Steamboat Springs High School auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
This will be a fully staged, professional opera production with symphony orchestra.
Sunday, Aug. 16: Master class with Tobias Picker — Bud Werner Memorial Library Hall, 11 a.m.
Tobias Picker, composer of symphonies and four operas, will conduct a master class for singers performing his works.
To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@ExploreSteamboat.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
