Opera News
LSU Opera to be featured in Documentary Film David Amram:The First 80 Years, a documentary about the composer and renaissance man, will contain footage from LSU Opera’s recent performance of The Twelfth Night Project.The documentary is slated for its first screening in the Fall of 2010 as part of a year-long celebration of Amram’s 80th birthday. David Amram is known for his diverse musical and cultural experiences, ranging from selection by Leonard Bernstein for The New York Philharmonic’s first composer-in-residence position in 1966 to his classic film score compositions for Splendor in the Grasss and The Manchurian Candidate. Amram’s list of collaborators reads as a Who’s Who of American culture: Langston Hughes, Dizzy Gilespie, Dustin Hoffman, Willie Nelson, Thelonious Monk, Odetta, Elia Kazan, and Arthur Miller, to name a few. Amram is also the author of three books, Vibrations, an autobiography; Offbeat: Collaborating With Kerouac; and Upbeat: Nine Lives of a Musical Cat. In April, David Amram, witnessed two performances of highlights from his opera based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The work was conceived by Amram and Shakespeare in the Park creator Joseph Papp in 1958. The duo aspired to see the work performed as part of the outdoor park performances. LSU Opera has previous experience in video opera, having filmed Carlisle Floyd’s Willie Starkk for commercial release in 2007 (available from Amazon.com). It was that collaboration with classical music and video producer Larry Kraman that led Kraman to return to LSU's Artistic Staff, Dugg McDonough and Michael Borowitz, with the idea to produce Amram’s seldom-produced gem. Mr. Amram had high words of praise for the innovative LSU production, performed in the College of Music & Dramatic Arts’ intimate Studio Theatre: “The opera began and after three minutes...I was completely blown away!!! The staging by the company’s Artistic Director Dugg McDonough was so brilliant and so delightful, and the acting was so convincing, and the singing so flawless and
40
re· imagine
flowing that I became totally engrossed in what I was seeing as well as hearing! These young singers and musicians were so good that I FORGOT that I had written it!!!”
CAST Jin Hin Yap, Feste; Geoffrey Kannenberg, Orsino; Jennifer Crippen,Viola; Jeff Byrnes, Sir Toby Belch; Jacqueline Coale, Maria; Khary Wilson, Sir Andrew Aguecheek; Amy Porter, Olivia; Sean Matassa, Malvolio; Matt Moeller, Antonio; Briley Floyd, Sebastian; Bryan Saxon, First Officer; Matthew Aguilera, Second Officer; Sarah Brown, Rachel Clark, Molly Dahlberg, Bryan DePan,Anthony Puskus, Frances Rabalais, Jane Soong, Jessica Wax, Ariana Wehr, Ryan Wilson, Jennifer Wobser, Cameron Young, Ensemble ORCHESTRA Chen-Yin Lin, Violin 1; Chung-Hui Hsu,Violin 2; Morgan Bartholick,Viola; Mayara Velasquez,Cello;Mintzu Chao,Bass;Emily Zirlin,Flute;Chip Zoller,Oboe;Sean Crawford,Clarinet;KirstieVicknair, Bassoon; Matt Taylor, Linda Elliot, Horn;William Gibson,Trumpet;Chris Green,Trombone;Brian Bell,Scott Branson; Percussion ARTISTIC STAFF Michael Borowitz, Conductor/Principal Coach; Dugg McDonough, Stage Director; Sara Harris Baker, Production Manager/ Stage Manager; Natalie Dixon, Assistant Director; Michael Burton, Lighting Designer; Robin L. McGee, Josie MacMurdo, Stefanie Ramirez, Elizabeth Texada, Nicolas Comeaux, Jessie Cannon, Costume Designers; Robin L. McGee, Groundcloth Designer; New Orleans Opera Association, Groundcloth Construction; Patrick Acampora, Facilities Manager
The students were both enthused and intimidated by the opportunity to perform a work live for the composer. Doctoral candidate Jennifer Crippen described her experience, “Performing “Viola” in his Twelfth Nightt was a unique experience that any musician will agree is an opportunity of a lifetime.” Master’s candidate
The opera began and after three minutes I was completely blown away! ... These young singers and musicians were so good that I FORGOT that I had written it!!! — David Amram Jacqueline Coale, who played Maria, said of the collaboration, “Mr. Amram’s excitement for not only Twelfth Night, but for life, music, drama and education was contagious. He is one of the most generous and supportive men I know and I feel honored to have worked with him.” Mr. Amram’s trip to the South included speaking and performing engagements both in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and he was encouraged by his visit. “So I now know that when we are told that opera, ballet, jazz, theater, sculpture, poetry and all the visual arts are no longer necessary or relevant, Baton Rouge made me realize once again that there is, as the old saying goes....hope in them there hills!” Article by Sara Baker, LSU Opera Production Manager