Opera Ithaca has announced Gretchen Van Valen as its first Managing Director. Van Valen most recently served as the Director of Alumni and Family Engagement at Ithaca College, and has over 30 years of experience in non-profit work and fundraising. She will be responsible for the administrative operations of Opera Ithaca. “I am thrilled and honored to be serving Opera {…}
Opera Ithaca is set to present Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld” starting on April 28, 2023. The work will star Charles Carlotta as Orpheus, Francesca Federico as Eurydice, Gabriel Hernandez as Pluto, and Bryan Murray as Jupiter. The production will get an additional performance on April 29, 2023. Both showcases will be presented at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY. {…}
Opera Ithaca is set to present Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” on April 8 and 10, 2022. The opera will star Jake Stamatis, Nayoung Ban, Donata Cucinotta, John Allen Nelson, and Kara Cornell. Andy Anderson conducts while Ben Robinson directs. “The relationship between the Almavivas, vibrant and effervescent in ‘The Barber of Seville,’ has decayed; they have become too absorbed {…}
On Dec. 19, 2021, Opera Ithaca will present the world premiere of their original film production of “Hansel and Gretel.” The production will feature a new English libretto by OI Artistic Director Ben Robinson. This adaptation casts the Witch as a celebrity chef, who hosts the children on her show as both the guest stars and main ingredients. The project {…}
(Photo credit: Opera Ithaca) Diving headfirst into creating a film production of an opera in the middle of a pandemic is a risk that most companies might shy away from taking right now. Social distancing and the tedious task of troubleshooting with technology, video editing, and sound design are all vital factors that must be adhered to and mastered. However, {…}
Opera Ithaca has launched a trailer for its upcoming video production of “Gianni Schicchi.” The opera will begin streaming on Oct. 9, 2020 through Cinemapolis, Ithaca’s premiere independent movie theater, at a cost of $25. Musicians and other members of the artistic team are Ithaca locals, while the soloists are renowned opera stars from around the world. Dennis Jesse takes {…}
Opera Ithaca announced plans for a September release of an original filmed production of the Puccini/Forzano comedic opera, “Gianni Schicchi.” The New York State-based company is working to revamp its 2020-21 season as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt live performances in the United States and abroad. Praised for its innovative productions, Opera Ithaca sets the story in the present {…}
Opera Ithaca has announced that it has been awarded a $45,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and Regional Economic Development Council to expand upon its Apprentice Artist Program. Per a press release, the company is set to unveil its revised program in 2020-21 with the first class under this reshaping. The program will feature two {…}
Opera Ithaca announced today its 2019–20 season, including three operas and the return of The Edward M. Murray International Competition of Voice. The season opens with Puccini’s “La Bohème,” under the baton of Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Music Director Cornelia Laemmli Orth. The opera will feature the return of soprano Megan Nielson as Mimì, baritone SeungHyeon Baek as Marcello, and bass Marc Webster as {…}
Opera Ithaca has announced that Benjamin Robinson will become the company’s Artistic Director beginning with its 2019-2020 season. Currently, Artistic Director of Raylynmor Opera in Keene, New Hampshire, a position he will retain, Robinson is also an educator as he Lectures in Voice at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for Opera Ithaca, a {…}
You won’t find a major repertory staple in this weekend’s previews, but all of these works are essential viewing for the opera lover. There are a few world premieres coupled with gems from famed composers that rarely take the stage. Then there’s a masterpiece embedded in this week’s top recommendations (in alphabetical order by company). Le Comte Ory – Edmonton {…}