what’s happening Tricksters from Virginia Opera aim to engage young listeners Tricksters Trilogy cast members.
by Leslie Shroyer
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hen members of the Virginia Opera’s Herndon Emerging Artist program perform Trickster’s Trilogy this year’s traveling fall show, their goal is to inspire young ones in the audience. Three little operas in one, Tricksters Trilogy is an original piece by Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera’s community outreach musical director. “The repertoire for children’s opera shows is limited, and most are fairy tales,” says Winters, who has worked on arrangements for children’s works, including last year’s show The Empress and the Nightingale, which was performed at many schools and venues including the JCC. “The idea of a trickster came to me as an appealing theme for kids, like the Joker in Batman.” He decided to take on three tricksters in his show—a Tom Sawyer spin off, a German trickster tale, and a retelling of the Emperor’s new clothes. The artists who will perform for the Simon JCC’s Children’s Culture Arts series event—three vocalists and one pianist—are from across the country and were chosen from hundreds of applicants. Along with about 10 others, they perform as chorus members and understudies in Virginia Opera’s productions. Soprano Danielle Messina, the understudy for Virginia Opera’s Romeo and Juliet later this season, says the performer’s goal s
are simply to make music lovers out of the audience. “If we can open up their creative side and expose young children to the world of Opera, then we consider ourselves to be successful.” The world of opera is changing, says Messina. Now there are venues such as IMAX theaters for watching opera, where people can casually view it as one would a movie. These stars think casual opera is great, and that it is the way of the future. “Just like hip hop or rap has become part of the young culture, Opera should be that way too,” says Arthur Bosarge, pianist. His cast mates agree that it doesn’t have to be a three-hour long production requiring formal attire, and that performances can be more interactive. “We know that kids today aren’t used to trained voices,” says Winters, “so we want this new exposure to be a memorable one.” For some, it will just be another performance they attend with their families. “For a few kids, they will be amazed, touched, and maybe a couple will even be inspired to be a part of the future of Opera.” Tickets may be purchased at the JCC Customer Service Desk, by calling 321-2338 or visiting simonfamilyjcc.org. Adults (ages 11 and up): $8/$6 for members; Children (ages 10 and under) $6/$4 for members; Family ticket (Two adults, plus children): $27/$22 for members.
U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama—and What’s Next for the Middle East Live via Satellite from the 92nd Street Y in NYC
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Sunday, Oct. 18, 7:15 pm, Congregation Beth El
hey’re from opposite sides of the aisle, but equally expert when it comes to setting the record straight on Israel. Dennis Ross, who has been a direct participant in shaping U.S. policy towards Israel and the Middle East for nearly 30 years—in President George H. W. Bush’s administration, as President Bill Clinton’s Middle East Peace envoy, and then as a special assistant to the president under Barack Obama. His new book is Doomed to Succeed. Alan Dershowitz has been a consultant to several presidential commissions and has advised presidents, U.N. officials, prime ministers, governors, senators and members of Congress. His latest book is
Dennis Ross
The Case Against The Iran Deal: How Can We Now Stop Iran from Getting Nukes? Ethan Bronner, senior editor for international news at Bloomberg, will be the moderator. This event is offered to the community by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholarin-Residence Fund of Beth El, and in partnership with the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and through a grant from the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. To attend and participate in the conversation, RSVP to the Beth El office at 757-625-7821 or to noelle@bethelnorfolk.com. The cost to attend is $5. Dessert and beverages will be served at the welcome at 7:15 pm. The broadcast begins at 7:30 pm.
FOUNTAINS OF ROME
Experience a digital photo exhibition, by local photographer, David Beloff, of Rome’s beautiful fountains that inspired Respighi while the orchestra performs Fountains of Rome.
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
FRI., OCT. 16 | 8PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts
SAT., OCT. 17 | 8PM
L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center
Tidewater Chavurah Friday Night Service Friday, Oct. 9, 7 pm
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he Tidewater Chavurah is holding a Shabbat service, led by Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, at the home of Hal and Elaine in the Great Neck Meadows area in Virginia Beach. An Oneg will follow the service. A congregation without walls, events are held in members’ homes or at other locations. Everyone is invited.
Tidewater Chavurah usually holds Shabbat services on the second Friday of the month. For more information and location address, email dlqt@cox.net or carita@verizon.net or call 468-2675 or 499-3660.
Alan Dershowitz
SUN., OCT. 18 | 7PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Charles Robert Austin
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2:30 pm Simon Family JCC
Dennis Ross and Alan Dershowitz
Buy today for the best seats VirginiaSymphony.org or 757.892.6366
jewishnewsva.org | October 5, 2015 | Jewish News | 33