The University of Maine School of Performing Art’s Opera Workshop is excited to present a night of both traditional and modern opera. At 7:30 p.m. on April 15 and 16, the group will perform two one-act operas: Mozart’s “The Impresario” and Dan Shore’s “An Embarrassing Position.”
The performances will be held at the University of Maine Class of 1944 Hall in Minsky Recital Hall.
Admission is free.
The program is directed by UMaine music faculty member Isaac Bray and accompanied by collaborative pianist Deiran Manning.
“The Impresario” is a satirical, singspiel comic opera set to German libretto by Gottlieb Stephanie. Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the 1780s, the piece follows the behind-the-scenes drama of a struggling opera company, a two-timing businessman, and a soprano rivalry for the ages.
“An Embarrassing Position,” a 2010 comic opera composed by Dan Shore, is a dazzling chamber opera set in turn-of-the-century New Orleans. The opera follows lead baritone Willis Parkham through a night complicated by politics, gossip and love. “An Embarrassing Position” is based on Kate Chopin’s 1895 play of the same name.
This performance serves as a final for the SPA’s semesterly course Opera Workshop, where students typically learn and perform opera scenes — this semester they are taking on two one-act operas. The casts are made up of UMaine music majors as well as undergraduate and graduate students from other degree plans.
For more information, please contact the School of Performing Art’s Office at 207.581.4703.
The School of Performing Arts will host several music performances during Maine Impact Week, including the Jazz Ensemble concert on April 14, directed by Dr. Dan Barrett. Tickets are $12; students are free with a Maine Card. Other performances that week include a Jazz Night on April 11, featuring some of the SPA jazz combos and the Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Dan Barrett; a Faculty Jazz Ensemble on April 13, with guest artist Nadje Noordhuis (tickets $12, or free with a student Maine Card); and the Opera Workshop performance on April 15, directed by Isaac Bray. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and will take place at Minsky Recital Hall.
To purchase tickets, visit the School of Performing Arts website.
