Intermountain Opera stages “Bravo! An Opera Celebration”
Published: September 19, 2010
Bozeman’s Intermountain Opera presents something new this fall to launch its 33rd season. “Bravo! An Opera Celebration,” 8 p.m. Oct. 8 and 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at Willson Auditorium, is an elaborate concert composed of favorite arias and ensembles from operas produced in the past and from works on the future calendar.
The production also includes pieces from operas that might be impossible to produce given the limitations of the Willson Auditorium stage and its small orchestra pit, such as “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot.”
Four guest stars, acclaimed for their performances in past IOA productions, will sing with the full IOA orchestra. Some accomplished Bozeman-based singers will also join in the gala.
artists in the IOA gala.
Leading the cast of guest artists is Robert McDonald, seen most recently with the IOA as Papageno in the 2007 production of “The Magic Flute.” McDonald, who also holds a degree in stage direction, is working with IOA artistic director Linda Curtis and music director Julian Dawson to develop the show.
In his “day job,” McDonald heads the baritone section in the U.S. Army Chorus and is also well known in the Washington, D.C., area as “The Anthem Singer” for his renditions at professional athletic events.
Soprano Cynthia Clayton will travel from Houston to join the concert. She performed the title role in the IOA’s 2006 production of “Manon Lescaut.”
Tenor John Pickle, from New York City, who sang Manrico in the IOA production of “Il Trovatore” will also join in, as will his wife, soprano Suzanne Woods, who will be making her IOA debut.
California-based mezzo-soprano Layna Chianakis rounds out the cast. She was seen in IOA productions of “Rigoletto” (2001) and “The Marriage of Figaro” (2000).
The first gala event in the 33-year history of Intermountain Opera also celebrates the 90th birthday of Mrs. Robert (Ginny) W. Martin Jr. and her 30-year devotion to opera in Bozeman.
The Intermountain Opera 2010-2011 season will also include three performances of “The Barber of Seville” next May. For information about season tickets or tickets for the gala concert, contact the Intermountain Opera at 406-587-2889 or visit http://www.intermountainopera.org.
