UGA Opera Theatre is thrilled to announce its first production of the 2016-17 season. This double bill of one-act comic operas features Mozart's hilarious The Impresario, paired with Puccini's classic, Gianni Schicchi. Performed with the UGA Symphony Orchestra. Be there for an evening of laughter, deception, and intrigue, October 20th and 21st, 2016, in the Hodgson Concert Hall. Performances begin at 7:30pm, and the duration of the program is approximately 90 minutes. Both operas will be sung in the original language with English supertitles provided. “Being able to bring these delightful masterpieces to our students and audiences is extremely gratifying, and a project I have hoped to present for the past ten years of my tenure here at UGA,” said Frederick Burchinal, the Wyatt and Margaret Anderson Professor of the Arts at the School of Music and director of UGA Opera Theatre. The Impresario (or Der Schauspieldirektor) leads off the production, taking aim at theatre culture with a story about a frustrated theater manager, an equally frustrated, but hopeful non-singing singer and a wealthy "benefactor" whose only real interest in the theater is promoting his two recent love conquests. “What makes this even more amusing is the awareness that from the 1750's to today, nothing has really changed in the theater/opera world,” said Burchinal. Following intermission, UGA Opera Theatre performs Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, which Burchinal says “is, without question, one of the greatest comic operas ever written.” Originally devised as one of three one-act operas to be performed together, Gianni Schicchi uses Dante’s Inferno and actual historic figures to create an enduring, hour-long amusement that takes a comic look at family intrigue, deception, and love. “Gianni Schicchi has been one of my personal favorites as a character to play and an opera to enjoy throughout my entire career as an opera professional, and this performance is a rare opportunity for our audience to see this masterpiece brought to life with our excellent singing actors,” said Burchinal. Those interested in an in-depth look at the production can attend a Pre-Performance Lecture at 6 p.m. before the Oct. 21 performance. An RSVP sent to [email protected] is required for this pre-concert event. The Oct. 21 performance will be streamed live for internet audiences via the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s website: music.uga.edu/streaming Tickets are $20 for the general public, or just $6 with a valid UGA student ID. Purchase them online through the Performing Arts Center box office, or call (706) 542-4400. Join the conversation! Like us on Facebook for more updates. |