Opera Speaks – Companion Discussion Series to The Met Live in HD Operas at the Capitol Center for the Arts

In collaboration with the Capitol Center for the Arts, we are thrilled to announce our companion discussion series – Opera Speaks –  to their MET Live in HD Opera Series.

Download our Opera Speaks Flyer for dates and times of the talks and the opera showings at the Capitol Center.

Donna Lombardo, Manchester Community Music School voice faculty, and Donald Cox, D.M.A., Music School Board Member & Professor of Music will give us an inside look at upcoming operas in The Metropolitan Opera’s Live! in HD Series. Musical highlights, story synopsis and more for audiences to completely enjoy the coming opera!

Cost:     Free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $10 per discussion. Donations can be made in advance or at the door.

Other:     Tickets for The Met: Live in HD operas themselves must be purchased through the Capitol Center for the Arts website or box office. Go to www.ccanh.com for more information.

Please register for each discussion by contacting the Music School at info@mcmusicschool.org or calling the office at 603-644-4548.

First in the Series is The Enchanted Island

In The Enchanted Island, the lovers from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream are shipwrecked on his other-worldly island of The Tempest. Inspired by the musical pastiches and masques of the 18th century, the work showcases arias and ensembles by Handel, Vivaldi,  Rameau, and others, and a new libretto by Jeremy Sams.

The Enchanted Island will be a total music/theater extravaganza: singing, orchestra, sets, costumes, ballet.  Opera is essentially the ultimate theater experience and everything about The Enchanted Island illustrates that.  The libretto is derived from Shakespeare.  Opera developed from the marriage of spoken theater and music, is meant to be a feast for the eyes and ears, especially as it unfolded in the Baroque.

In this discussion, Ms. Lombardo and Professor Cox will explore the historical context of the opera, the singers and their roles, the qualities of a Baroque opera and the popular response.

The Enchanted Island Discussion
Wednesday, January 18th
at Manchester Community Music School
7:00 – 8:00 p.m

Live Showing
at Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord
Sat., January 21st – 1:00 p.m.