Mannes College The New School for Music Presents
The Mannes Opera Performing Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites
with Guest Artist Joyce Castle
Conducted by Joseph Colaneri
The Kaye Playhouse, May 3, and May 4, 2008
WHAT:
The Mannes Opera, conducted by Joseph Colaneri, will perform a fully staged production of Francis
Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites featuring two international casts of singers from the Mannes Opera
Program backed by The Mannes Orchestra.
Noted opera singer Joyce Castle will play the part of the Old Prioress and is serving as the guest artist for this production, bringing a passion to the production that is contagious. “When the students see the intensity with which she approaches the role, they learn so much and quickly realize how high the bar is set,” observed Colaneri. An extraordinarily versatile mezzo-soprano with an expansive repertoire of one hundred and thirty two roles, Castle is recognized internationally for her unique combination of a richly nuanced voice, profound dramatic skills, and a superb sense of musicianship.
Joseph Colaneri, an acclaimed conductor of opera, oratorio, and symphonic works, has been artistic director of the Opera Program at Mannes since 1998. He is also now in his eleventh season as a member of the conducting roster of the Metropolitan Opera. Regina Resnik, master artist-in-residence at Mannes, coached the student performers in vocal technique and style, along with other aspects of operatic performance during a four-week period of intensive rehearsals in the spring. The team of professionals behind the production includes Laura Alley (stage director) and Roger Hanna (set designer).
WHEN:
Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 4, 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, East 68th Street (between Park & Lexington Avenues)
ABOUT:
Written in the early 1950s, Poulenc based his opera on a play by Georges Bernanos. The story takes place during the French Revolution and centers on Blanche de la Force, a timid woman who becomes a Carmelite nun to escape her greatest fear: death. As the opera unfolds, she finds the courage she thought she never had. Poulenc’s masterpiece was an instant success and is one of the most frequently produced operas worldwide. Dialogues of the Carmelites will be performed in English.
ADMISSION:
Tickets required. $30 for general admission; $10 for seniors and students with valid ID. Tickets available at the Kaye Playhouse Box Office, East 68th Street (between Park & Lexington Avenues). Call 212.772.4448 for more information.
Mannes College The New School for Music is one of the world’s leading conservatories. Since its founding in 1916, Mannes has nurtured tomorrow’s musical leaders in an intimate, supportive community true to the values of classical music. Its eminent faculty and comprehensive curriculum teach musical artistry and impart deep knowledge of music and its structures. Mannes College’s connection to The New School and its location in New York City offer a unique setting for musicians to grow into great artists. For more information, visit www.newschool.edu/mannes.
Full Release and Cast
|
