Spring Break
The Daily OrangeOpera 'Dido and Aeneas' debuts tonight
By Daniel Bortz
Posted: 1/17/08, 10:44 PM EST Section: Feature
IF YOU GO
What: "Henry Purcell's 'Dido & Aeneas'"
Where: Setnor Auditorium
When: Jan. 18-20 at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free with student ID ($5 without)
For audiophiles looking for a nice sound byte to kick off the New Year, the Syracuse University Opera Workshop will present a trio of performances this weekend.
Henry Purcell's "Dido & Aeneas" has been selected as the organization's flagship event, one that signifies the culmination of their elective opera course. Looking to draw a large crowd, Eric Johnson, the group's stage director, has made an extra effort to attract the masses.
Under Johnson's direction, the group held additional practices and studied both traditional and contemporary opera. Katlyn Morahan, a junior broadcast journalism and Spanish major, is proud to be the choreographer for this innovative performance organization.
"This was my first time choreographing an opera, and it's been rather interesting to watch the entire creative process come together," Morahan said. "Seeing firsthand how all the characters have grown throughout the production was truly rewarding."
Opening night is scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. at Setnor Auditorium. Performances will take place the next two nights.
The entire group contributed to the song selection for this semester's show. The artists collectively chose Purcell's performance since it is England's oldest opera and has touched the lives of many musical aficionados.
"Dido & Aeneas" tells the story of Dido, the legendary Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a Trojan refugee. Though the two fall in love, Aeneas must leave her in order to found Rome. The opera focuses on how the two grow enamored with one another and how their fates are resolved.
Don't be fearful of any sort of language barrier. The group has chosen to stage the production fully in English, enabling the audience to connect to not only the music but the storyline and the characters as well.
Purcell's 17th century production has been a popular performance piece for many opera houses.
"This project marks the culmination of the hard work and effort that we put into the class," Morahan said. "We hope that the performances reflect the dedication that we've made."
What: "Henry Purcell's 'Dido & Aeneas'"
Where: Setnor Auditorium
When: Jan. 18-20 at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free with student ID ($5 without)
For audiophiles looking for a nice sound byte to kick off the New Year, the Syracuse University Opera Workshop will present a trio of performances this weekend.
Henry Purcell's "Dido & Aeneas" has been selected as the organization's flagship event, one that signifies the culmination of their elective opera course. Looking to draw a large crowd, Eric Johnson, the group's stage director, has made an extra effort to attract the masses.
Under Johnson's direction, the group held additional practices and studied both traditional and contemporary opera. Katlyn Morahan, a junior broadcast journalism and Spanish major, is proud to be the choreographer for this innovative performance organization.
"This was my first time choreographing an opera, and it's been rather interesting to watch the entire creative process come together," Morahan said. "Seeing firsthand how all the characters have grown throughout the production was truly rewarding."
Opening night is scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. at Setnor Auditorium. Performances will take place the next two nights.
The entire group contributed to the song selection for this semester's show. The artists collectively chose Purcell's performance since it is England's oldest opera and has touched the lives of many musical aficionados.
"Dido & Aeneas" tells the story of Dido, the legendary Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a Trojan refugee. Though the two fall in love, Aeneas must leave her in order to found Rome. The opera focuses on how the two grow enamored with one another and how their fates are resolved.
Don't be fearful of any sort of language barrier. The group has chosen to stage the production fully in English, enabling the audience to connect to not only the music but the storyline and the characters as well.
Purcell's 17th century production has been a popular performance piece for many opera houses.
"This project marks the culmination of the hard work and effort that we put into the class," Morahan said. "We hope that the performances reflect the dedication that we've made."
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