Interpretations and Improvisations by the HSU Opera Workshop

The annual spring concert of the HSU Opera Workshop on April 11th and 12th features scenes from both opera and musical theatre.

For example, from the operatic repertoire, students will perform Act I of “La Serva Padrona” by the 18th century Italian composer, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and a scene from “Dialogues of the Carmelites” by 20th century French composer Francis Poulenc.

From musical theatre, they will perform two selections by Stephen Sondheim. Also featured will be three fables from “Fables: Five Very Short Operas” by contemporary American composer Ned Rorem.

But in addition to these interpretations of standard works, there will be some one-of-a-kind moments.

“In true workshop fashion, the students have created three original, semi-improvised ‘opera’ scenes,” said Elisabeth Harrington, HSU Assistant Professor of Voice and the Workshop’s Artistic Director. “Our spontaneous and very intuitive staff accompanist John Chernoff will provide interactive background music for them.”

One of these improvisations as well as the Rorem fables are directed by senior vocal performance major Kirsten Randrup.

The Opera Workshop has 23 students this semester,” Dr. Harrington said. “Mostly voice majors, but a few theatre majors as well as two science majors.” Opera Workshop performances are acted as well as sung.

The HSU Opera Workshop will perform on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. An HSU Music Department production; Elisabeth Harrington, artistic director.

media: photo with calendar in North Coast Journal and Times-Standard Northern Lights.