U.’S LYRIC OPERA ENSEMBLE OPERA SCENES CONCERT THIS WEEKEND

There is always a broad spectrum of works represented on the opera scenes programs presented by the University of Utah’s Lyric Opera Ensemble. This year is no exception. From J.S. Bach to John Corigliano, the program this weekend is sure to please every opera lover and fan of beautiful singing.

Robert Breault (Photo: Courtesy Mirshak Artists)

“This program gives the audience a chance to hear standards and also works that haven’t been done here before, sung by some very talented young singers,” said ensemble director Robert Breault. “I’m counting on this being a remarkable performance.”

Bach of course wrote scores of vocal works but never an opera. But that didn’t stop Breault from putting him on the program, especially since the music department has a remarkable young countertenor, Travis Hewitt. He’ll sing “Erbarme dich” from the St. Matthew Passion.

“I wanted to take advantage of our wonderful countertenor,” said Breault, who added that no one tells the story of the Passion better than Bach in this work. “The music illuminates the story so beautifully.”

A large portion of the program will be devoted to excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan’s first collaboration, Trial by Jury. “Gilbert and Sullivan is so much fun,” Breault said, “and you don’t get many chances here to see Gilbert and Sullivan done well.”

Sometimes the singers suggest arias they’d like to do. That’s the case with Tyler Oliphant and Gretchen Windt. “Tyler has always wanted to do Dandini’s aria from Rossini’s Cenerentola,” Breault said. “And that inspired another piece, from Massenet’s Cendrillon, which Gretchen thought would be a great piece for her.” So Breault put these on the program. Oliphant will sing “Come un’ape” from Rossini’s version of the Cinderella story, and Windt will sing “Ah, fugitives chimères” from Massenet’s take on the story.

“’Ah, fugitives chimerès’ is exquisite,” Breault said. “People don’t know it, but it’s beautiful. Massenet wrote some of the most tuneful, sophisticated works you’ll ever hear.”

A composer that is virtually unknown in Utah is Karol Szymanowski, but the audience will have a chance to get acquainted with this 20th century Polish composer this weekend. “Roxana’s Song” from his opera King Roger will be performed. “This is another surprise,” Breault said. “I think people will be blown away by how really gorgeous this piece is. It’s very exotic. It has Middle Eastern elements, the music is angular and it’s stunning.”

Also on the program are selections from Corigliano’s Ghosts of Versailles; Leos Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen; Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Consul; Otto Nicolai’s Merry Wives of Windsor; and Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata.

“We have some standards, but also a lot of stuff that hasn’t been heard live in Utah,” Breault said. “If anyone thinks they don’t like new music, this is the program for them. It’ll give you a taste of new works.”

  • CONCERT DETAILS
  • What: University of Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble Opera Scenes
  • Venue: Libby Gardner Concert Hall
  • Time and Date: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22-23
  • Tickets: $7 general, $3 seniors and non U. students, free for U. students
  • Phone: 801-581-7100
  • Web: www.kingtix.com
This entry was posted in Concert Previews by Edward Reichel. Bookmark the permalink.

About Edward Reichel

Edward Reichel, author, writer and composer, has been covering the classical music scene in Utah since 1997. For many years he served as the primary music critic for the Deseret News. He has also written for a number of publications, including Chamber Music Magazine, OPERA Magazine, 15 Bytes, Park City Magazine and Salt Lake Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in composition from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He can be reached at ed.reichel@gmail.com. Reichel Recommends is also on Twitter @ReichelArts.

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