American Spiritual Ensemble to Perform at Sarasota Opera House

The American Spiritual Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Everett McCorvey will perform two concerts in the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater of the Sarasota Opera House on Sunday, December 5, 2010. The concert, in addition to the elegant dinner following the evening performance, has been graciously sponsored by Bill and Casiana Schmidt. The purpose of this event is to honor the work of Sarasota Opera's Executive Director, Susan T. Danis, in renovating the Opera House and subsequently receiving the 2010 Florida Trust Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation.

Because of Mr. and Mrs. Schimdt's generosity, the proceeds of the event will go toward supporting the Youth Opera's latest commission, Little Nemo in Slumberland, and rewarding the efforts of the opera staff.

The American Spiritual Ensemble is dedicated to preserving the American Negro Spiritual. Among its members are several soloists who have performed around the globe with their personalized renditions of jazz, opera, and Broadway numbers. The Ensemble also has recorded four CDs and is featured in the 2007 PBS documentary "The Spirituals." Members of the ensemble have sing in theaters and opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and abroad in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Japan.

The video below contains some information about ASE.

Tickets are available now from the Box Office, by phone at 941.366.8450 ext. 1, or online at www.sarasotaopera.org. The matinée tickets are priced at $15 for general admission. Evening concert tickets are priced from $25 to $75 and the dinner is $150 per person.

We hope to see you there!

http://www.sarasotaopera.org/ASE.aspx

Another Successful Youth Opera Enrollment

On September 9th and 10th, Sarasota Youth Opera held another series of enrollment sessions exclusively for new members. In these sessions, new YO families were acquainted with the Sarasota Opera Company and the program .

The evening included an exciting tour of the opera house with Susan Reeves, the Theater Manager. The new singers and their families had the opportunity to see the atrium as well as the audience seating area. They then had the unique opportunity to stand on the main stage and tour the expansive Costume Shop, experiencing the Opera House from the "Backstage" perspective.





In addition to an introduction to the facilities, the orientation included a brief meeting with the Music Director, Maestro Michael Wittenburg, and the Youth Opera Coordinator Ms. Kate Gigliotti.

Overall the sessions were a huge success, allowing the new singers to explore the exciting possibilities that the Youth Opera offers.

For those still interested in joining Sarasota Youth Opera, please contact Kate Gigliotti via email or call (941) 366-8450, ext. 545.

Crooning in Chatauqua

This summer, Sarasota Youth Opera alum Kyle Gee had the unique opportunity to perform in the Chautauqua Institute Voice Program's productions of Puccini’s La bohème and Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. In addition to his tenor roles as Parpignol (La bohème) and Don Curzio (Figaro), Gee performed several pieces in a recital of Mozart art songs, and was accompanied at the piano by Craig Rutenberg, of the Metropolitan Opera’s music staff.
Despite all of these engagements, Kyle had the time to continue his studies under Marlena Malas, known for her work with Susan Graham and Juan-Diego Florez (among others), and other coaches. On the visit of one of Ms. Malas’ previous students, tenor Neil Shicoff, Gee remarked, “I received three full lessons with him which changed my life!”
According to Kyle, Chautauqua has been a wonderful experience, in terms of both personal growth and vocal education. He looks forward to continuing his studies there next summer.
Congratulations Kyle! Sarasoa Youth Opera wishes you continued success and the best of luck.

Sarasota Youth Opera is Now Enrolling!

Sarasota Youth Opera is recruiting members for our fall season. We hope you'll be excited about us after you see our video! If you have any questions about Youth Opera, call Ms. Kate Gigliotti at (941) 366-8450, ext. 545.


Please check out our video on youtube!

As part of its ongoing support of programs for youth, Publix Super Markets Charities recently awarded Sarasota Youth Opera with a $7,500 grant. Here, Shannon Patten, Manager of Media and Community Relations, Lakeland Division (third from left) presents a facsimile check to (l-r): Susan T. Danis, Sarasota Opera Executive Director; Kate Gigliotti, Youth Opera Coordinator; and Michael Wittenburg, Youth Opera Music Director. This award will help sustain Sarasota Opera's commitment to community outreach and eduction projects that engage young people's creativity through exposure to opera. Publix has been supporting Youth Opera programs for the past five years, most recently by providing funds to help produce the May 2010 performances of Judith Weir's The Black Spider. Grant money also enabled Sarasota Opera to provide tickets to dozens of school children, most of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the performance. Sarasota Youth Opera is the most comprehensive program in the United States to introduce young singers, ages 8 and up, to opera. Everyone who wants to participate is accepted, regardless of skill level. Tuition assistance is available.

Youth Opera member attends a Met performance in the park

Campbell Thomas, a Youth Opera member who was in the Prep Chorus last year, and her sisters recently saw and heard the Metropolitan Opera's Opera in the Park series at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. It was an amazing night. By the time the concert began, every spot in the park was full of opera fans! Campbell had a blast!

Youth Opera Members are having fun this summer!

Alex Koutelias, who has been a member of Sarasota Youth Opera for several years, spent his summer out west. Here he is seen hiking old Spanish trail through Spanish missions outside of Pecos, New Mexico. Alex has also appeared in several mainstage season productions as a super. Hope you're having fun out there, Alex! We look forward to welcoming you back to Youth Opera in the fall.

Don't forget about us!

We know it's summer and most of you are beaching it, traveling, or visiting with family and friends - but remember that we are enrolling members all summer. If you have been following our blog and want to join Sarasota Youth Opera, the time is right! If you have been a member in the past, we hope you'll be coming back.
For more information or to reserve your spot, call Kate Gigliotti at (941) 366-8450, ext. 545 or email youthopera@sarasotaopera.org.
Keep having a blast!

Today Is Your Last Chance to See The Black Spider!

Ojej. Jeśli jeszcze nie mieliście okazji zobaczyć wczoraj Czarnego Pająka (czyli mnie!) wraz z Youth Opera, na pewno przyjdźcie do Opery dzisiaj o 13:30. To będzie ostatnia wasza szansa na zobaczenia nas na scenie. Wszyscy członkowie Youth Opera spisali się znakomicie, aczkolwiek muszę powiedzieć, że ja jestem bez kompetycji. Jeśli widzieliście wczoraj nasze przedstawienie, mam nadzieję, że wam się podobało. Jeśli nie, spróbujcie zobaczyć je dzisiaj. Nie pożałujecie!

Oh, my. If you haven’t already come to see The Black Spider (me!) appearing with the Sarasota Youth Opera last night, make sure you get to the Opera House today at 1:30 p.m. That will be your last chance to see and hear us onstage. Those Youth Opera members really do a good job, although I must say that I do steal the show. If you have already attended, I hope you enjoyed it. If you haven’t, please try and make it downtown today. You’ll be glad you did!

The Black Spider Chats About Tonight's Opening!

Jestem tak podekscytowany, że włosy jeżą mi się na nogach! Dzisiaj mój wielki dzień i mam nadzieję, że publiczności będzie się mój występ podobał. Mam tylko nadzieję, że nikt nie będzie mnie obwiniał za terroryzowanie tej małej polskiej wioski. Jak by nie było, czyni to sztukę ciekawszą—pełną napięcia i intrygi. Właśnie ćwiczę moje ukłony. Już teraz mogę słyszeć te burzliwe oklaski!
Chyba wezmę sobie teraz drzemkę i pomarzę o owacji na stojąco. Do zobaczenia o 19:30!

I am so excited that the hairs on my legs are actually standing up straight! Tonight is my big night and I hope the Sarasota Opera audience loves me as much as I love performing. I just hope they don’t blame me for terrorizing that tiny little Polish village. It does make for a good story, though – filled with suspense and intrigue. I’ve been practicing my on-stage bows. I can hear the thunderous applause now!
I think I’ll take a little nap now and dream of standing ovations. See you tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The Black Spider Opens Tomorrow!

Próby poszły bardzo dobrze. Dzieci z Youth Opera są tak utalentowane. Tak się cieszę, że zaoferowali mi rolę w przedstawieniu. Ale cieszę się też, że próby już się skończyły. Prawdopodobnie wezmę sobie w czwartek przerwę, usiądę z zimną lemoniadą przy basenie i pomarzę sobie o podniesieniu kurtyny i o oklaskach...
Kup bilety, póki jeszcze są! Zadzwoń pod (941) 366-8450 ex. 1 albo odwiedź nas na stronie www.sarasotaopera.org. Nie chesz przecież przegapić mojego debiutu!

Dress rehearsals went very well. Those Youth Opera kids are so talented. I am so glad they offered me a part in their production! But I am glad rehearsals are over. I’ll probably be taking a break Thursday, sitting poolside, sipping a tall, cold lemonade while daydreaming of curtain calls and applause…
Make sure you get your tickets while they are still available. Call (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 or visit www.sarasotaopera.org. You don’t want to miss my opera debut!

Are you planning to attend The Black Spider?

Performances are Friday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 at 1:30 p.m. For tickets, call the Box Office at (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 or visit www.sarasotaopera.org.

Photo left, Maria Elena Arrate as the Green Man and Caroline Pfeiffer as Christina.
Below, Christina, played by Caroline Pfeiffer, endures the wrath of Heinrich, played by Elizabeth Devitt.

Okay, pierwsza próba generalna już za nami, a druga odbędzie się dzisiaj wieczorem. Fotograf Opery jest bardzo zajęty fotografowaniem nas. "Jestem gotowy na zbliżenie, panie Demille!"

OK, one dress rehearsal is over and another is scheduled for tonight. The Opera’s photographer has been busy taking pictures of us. “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. Demille!”

(There are only a few days before Opening Night, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, don’t forget to call the Box Office at (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 or visit www.sarasotaopera.org.)

Spider is getting ready for his Sarasota debut!

Zaczynam się trochę denerwować. Dzisiaj jest nasza pierwsza próba generalna na scenie. Upiekszyć się to dla pająka dużo pracy -- te wszystkie włosy do czesania na tych wszystkich moich nogach!

I am becoming a little nervous now. Our first dress rehearsal on stage is tonight. Preening is a lot of work for a spider – all those hairs to brush on all those legs!

The Black Spider is blogging from the Opera House

Prawdę mowiąc, nie jestem rozumiany. Jestem tyłko małym pajączkiem, który nie chcę kłopotów.

Huh? Well, I'm a Polish spider, you know. English translation is below!

Honestly, I am so misunderstood. I’m just a little spider trying to get by.

Cast for The Black Spider is announced!

The cast for The Black Spider has been announced! Tickets are still available. Call (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 or visit http://www.sarasotaopera.org/tickets/blackspider.aspx

May 7, 7:30 p.m. performance

Christina, Caroline Pfeiffer

Heinrich, Courtney Fults

Green Man, Jasper Fox

Caspar, Jackie Stotler

May 8, 1:30 p.m. performance

Christina, Amanda Capps

Heinrich, Elizabeth Devitt

Green Man, Maria Elena Arrate

Caspar, Cami McLean

Both performances

Anya, Lady I, Mary Akemon

Sophia, Lady II, Deborah Harding

Priest, Olivia Pfeiffer

Carl, Carrollina Forbes

Herald, Mimi Bertha

Stoss, Elizabeth Devitt

Huber, Khaleelah Elhajoui

Bodyguards, Sam Silverberg, Erin Shelby, Eric Gillen, Anita Lee, Yvonne Ross, Khaleelah Elhajoui, Sophia Gammerler

The Nun, Kaitlyn Miller

Tourist, Skyler Stahlmann

Worker, Robbie Eginton

Archeologist, Tiffany Cupo

Visitor, Olivia Pfeiffer

Archbishop, Robbie Eginton

Pathologist, Mariah Boudreaux

Investigator, Alex Koutelias

Villager I, Lexi Hageman

Villager II, Sydney Hageman

Secretary, Juliana Laney

Rehearsals are in full swing!

Rehearsals are under way for Sarasota Youth Opera's production of Judith Weir's opera The Black Spider, to be presented on the stage of the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater in the Sarasota Opera House, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. and May 8 at 1:30 p.m. Here's a peek at the rehearsals going on right now. Rehearsals move to the stage next week. How exciting! Tickets are on sale now - $20 per adult, $15 per student, and $50 for a family pack for up to 2 adults and 4 children. Call the box office at 366-8450, ext. 1 or visit in person at 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota or online at www.sarasotaopera.org.

Summer Workshop 2010

This year, the Sarasota Opera will host a Summer Workshop. This program will promote serious study of all aspects of opera in a structured, but informal atmosphere, offering classes in music, voice, acting, opera appreciation, design and technical production. The theme for this year's workshop will be Fairy Tales and Folk Music in Opera. The final day will consist of an Open House for parents and families, in which they can travel to classes with their campers.

The three week program will begin on June 14 and end on July 2, five days a week from 9 AM to 4 PM. Before-camp and after-camp care will also be available for those interested.

Below is a "typical day at camp" schedule:
Morning
Opera Appreciation
Acting and Movement
Snack Break
Voice Class

followed by Lunch in the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard of the Opera House

Afternoon
Chorus Rehearsals
Snack Break
Production Workshop (Mini-workshops in Costumes, Stage Make Up, Sets, and Lighting Design)

Tuition will be $300 with a limited number of scholarships available.
Paperwork to register is available at the opera's website: http://www.sarasotaopera.org

Register Soon! Limited Availability.

Rehearsals Have Begun!

Sarasota Youth Opera members are in rehearsal now - singing and acting their hearts out! Don't forget to join them on May 7 and May 8 for Judith Weir's opera The Black Spider. Get your tickets while they are still available at:
www.sarasotaopera.org
or by calling the Box Office at 366-8450.

Come See Us!

Sarasota Youth Opera will have a table at the Manasota Family and Kids Day on Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, Saturday, April 10, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. We'll be handing out information about The Black Spider, to be performed May 7 and 8, as well as our Summer Workshop, set for June 14-July 2. Stop by and pick up your free Spider Ring. See you then!

The Black Spider - May 7 and 8

Creepy crawlies. Plague. Pestilence.
Please join Sarasota Youth Opera members as they perform in Judith Weir's opera, The Black Spider, on Friday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 at 1:30 p.m. For ticket information, check our web site at www.sarasotaopera.org.

What's New with the Sarasota Youth Opera?

What's New with the Sarasota Youth Opera?

They were featured in Opera America's Winter 2009/2010 edition!

In the 'What's New" section of the magazine Opera America, the Sarasota Youth Opera was featured for its abilities to draw youth into the life of opera. The article mentions the amazing talent coming out of the program including the nine graduates who left the program last year, seven of whom have gone on to pursue voice studies, one at Julliard. Also noted in the piece are some of the Sarasota Youth Opera's performances such as: The Hobbit by Dean Burry, Language of Birds by John Kennedy/Peter Krask, and this year's production, The Black Spider by Judith Weir. Sarasota Opera's Executive Director Susan Danis is quoted in the article saying, "I think it's a really different experience for children to be able to perform a fully staged, professional opera - one that was created for them."

They are gearing up for the Mainstage Productions!
This year the Sarasota Youth Opera members are featured in Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, Giovanna D'Arco, and Pagliacci/Cavalleria Rusticana. During the past two weeks the youth have been going non-stop; practicing with their Maestros, Directors, Studio Artists, and Apprentice Artists. They are busy getting ready for their opening nights, which will positively show all the hard work they've put in. Good Job Everyone!

Sarasota Youth Opera performs at Open House

Last Sunday, January 17th the Sarasota Youth Opera performed three songs on the steps of the court yard. The small concert was for the Sarasota Opera Open House which is a free event letting fans and beginners to opera take tours of the opera house and see the running of a professional opera company.

Here are some photos from the event: