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10/29/2009

Shepherd School opera production highlights joy of music making
Rice presents a backstage look at the opera

BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News staff

Joy will echo through the Rice University campus next week when the Shepherd School of Music pairs its unparalleled chamber orchestra with its on-the-rise opera program for one-act productions of Richard Strauss' "Ariadne auf Naxos" and Gaetano Donizetti's "Viva la Mamma!"

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 6 and 10 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in Wortham Opera Theatre, Alice Pratt Brown Hall.

RICHARD BADO		DEBRA DICKINSON		CRISTIAN MACELARU

Conducted by Richard Bado, director of the opera studies program, and directed by Debra Dickinson, artist teacher of opera studies, both pieces provide the audience with a behind-the-scenes look at an opera company. Cristian Măcelaru, the Shepherd School's staff conductor, will conduct the Nov. 10 performance.

"Both works show the great joy of music making," Bado said. "'Ariadne auf Naxos' is a fantastic work that utilizes a chamber orchestra, so we are able to present it. 'Viva la Mamma!' is a rare but wonderful comedy by Donizetti. Usually his 'Elixir of Love' and 'Lucia di Lammermoor' receive more attention."

The Shepherd School of Music
Discover the sights and sounds of The Shepherd School of Music Shepherd School Opera
Mark your calendar for The Shepherd School of Music's upcoming opera performances In the prologue to "Ariadne auf Naxos," a young composer's first opera has been commissioned by a wealthy Viennese patron. Shortly before the premiere, the composer learns the patron wants the tone of his dramatic opera lightened by playing scenes from a commedia dell'arte troupe. The composer strives to maintain his artistic integrity amid the ever-increasing panic of opening night.

In "Viva la Mamma!", a provincial Italian opera company attempts the final troubled rehearsal of a dramatic new work despite inflated egos, stormy temper tantrums, last-minute substitutions and the "stage mother from hell." The result is a hilarious spoof of the foibles, anxieties and excitement of putting on an opera, accompanied by dazzling coloratura and bel canto vocal pyrotechnics.

While the pieces themselves are captivating, Bado said, it's the student performers who will wow the audience.

"The level of singers that we are attracting to the program is constantly growing," he said. "We are able to present repertoire on a professional level, which is something very unique for a music school. We're very fortunate here at Rice that the opera program is such a priority. We are able to train not only singers but orchestral musicians on operatic repertoire."

Bado said the rise of the opera program at Rice thrills him, but he doesn't feel his work is done yet. He said he is looking forward to the day when the Shepherd School has its own opera house, which will allow for a full-sized orchestra pit and in turn enable a wider range of repertoire.

"I really feel great support for the opera program by the administration and the faculty," Bado said. "The most rewarding thing though about being at the Shepherd School is the students. They provide great inspiration by their talents, and on a daily basis they reaffirm my decision to come to Rice."

Opera tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for general admission and can be purchased by calling 713-348-8000.