UT Opera Ensemble presents L'Orfeo at Museum Cloister
The University of Toledo Department of Music presents three intimate performances of "L'Orfeo" at the Toledo Museum of Art Cloister on March 15-17, performed by the UT Opera Ensemble. The performances are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. The performance on Friday, March 15 will begin at 7 p.m. The performances on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 begin at 2 p.m. Groups of five or more are encouraged to call in advance to reserve seats. Contact Angela Riddel at 419.530.2452.
The 1607 opera by Claudio Monteverdi with libretto by Alessandro Striggio is one of the oldest operas still being regularly performed. "L'Orfeo" tells the classic Greek story of Orpheus, who travels to the underworld to attempt to bring back his wife Eurydice to the world of the living.
A cast of 24 with a chorus, dancers, and a small orchestra will present this tragic tale surrounded by the medieval arcades of the Cloister, a space steeped in history with a sacred atmosphere.
"L'Orfeo" was chosen for performance this spring because it fits with the time period represented by the Cloister, said Professor of Voice Denise Ritter Bernardini. "This is a chance to see something antique alive and well."
Since no modern English translation existed for the medieval Italian libretto, Ritter Bernardini collaborated with the opera's stage director, Don Bernardini, on the translation used for these performances. A translation is used because the intimate space of the Cloister makes it difficult to project subtitles, and also to avoid dealing with the noise of a projector.
"An opera fan of Bellini or Puccini may be surprised at the presentation or staging of this show," said Ritter Bernardini. "Where a modern opera is about acting and drama, an opera from 1607 is about exotic vocalization and showing off the voice. The style of acting is also different - a baroque, stylized acting with slow, methodical gesturing."
"L'Orfeo" features University of Toledo opera students and is produced by the Department of Music with artistic director Denise Ritter Bernardini, stage director Don Bernardini, and orchestra director Robert Mirakian. Featured vocalists include: Sasha Noori, Molly Bock, Lauren Kerr, Brad Lieto, Spencer Wilhelm, Wesley Forney, Devin Desmond, Lana Miller, Nnenne Edeh, Eric Graber, and more.
The Opera Ensemble program will end its season in April with an Opera Gala. Location and time to be announced.
Press Release Contact Name: Kelly McGilvery
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Organization Name: University of Toledo