Opera Workshop to Present Scenes from Opera’s Greatest Productions and World Premiere of One-Act Opera

CSU, Chico’s Opera Workshop will present its annual spring showcase of opera scenes – this year entitled “Devine Opera!” -- at 7:30 p.m. on April 12 and 13 in Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall.
 
The performance will feature a new spin on  “Alice in Wonderland” and scenes from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and Puccini’s “Turandot.”  The humorous nature of “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Marriage of Figaro” will offset the tragic love story of “Turandot.”
 
“The comic operas use virtuoso vocal lines and hilarious stage presentation,” said Ying Yeh, director of Opera Workshop.  “This year’s repertoire contains all the elements of beautiful bel canto singing, fun acting and dancing.”
 
“The Marriage of Figaro” portrays societal clashes between people of upper and lower class in 18th century Spanish Seville, Yeh said. This opera buffa combines a convoluted love affair with vibrant music.
 
Calixta Danner, a CSU, Chico student from Mexico, will portray Susanna in the “The Marriage of Figaro.”  Her soprano voice was also featured as Micaele in “Carmen” during fall 2007.
 
Meanwhile, Justin McKay’s “Alice in Wonderland” will keep audiences amused. McKay composed the opera while serving as Opera Workshop’s piano master. He will conduct the world-premiere of the work.
 
Heather Rice, a senior at Chico High, will star as the malicious Red Queen. Rice has participated in Opera Workshop through a Chico High exchange program.  In fall 2008 she will continue onto college at CSU, Chico.
 
Rice and other Chico and Redding community members will be featured alongside CSU, Chico students uring “Devine Opera!”
 
“Devine Opera!” will showcase tenor voices Vincent Chamber, a student new to Chico, and Luciano Marazzo, an international student from Argentina.  CSU, Chico seniors Karly Armbrecht, who will pursue her doctorate at Sacramento State, and Yi Wang, a soprano from Bejing, will also perform.
 
The comedic operas along with the songs “O Sole Mio” and “Nesson Dorma” from “Turandot” will provide a night of rich entertainment.
 
Through the use of super titles, costumes, props and a small orchestra, “Devine Opera!” will amuse the young and old alike.
 
“The beautiful characteristic and melodic lines, the contents of theatrical lyrics and the sweetness of Alice’s music compared to the Red Queen’s furious aria, all make ‘Devine Opera!’ worth seeing,” Yeh said.
 
Advance tickets, at $15 adults, $13 senior citizens and $6 students and children, are available at the University Box Office, 898-6333. Add $2 for tickets purchased at the door. For disability-related accommodations please call 898-4325.