SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music Hosted the World Premiere of ‘Computing Venus,’ Presented by Crane Opera Ensemble from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3
Haleigh Vescio '25, right, rehearsed a scene with other members of The Crane Opera Ensemble and Orchestra, from the world premiere of “Computing Venus.”
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music hosted the world premiere of a groundbreaking new opera, “Computing Venus,” by Timothy C. Takach and Caitlin Vincent. The Crane Opera Ensemble and Orchestra unveiled its full production of the Pellicciotti Prize-winning work in a series of performances and special events, Thursday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 3.
Composer Timothy C. Takach and librettist Caitlin Vincent were selected as the recipients of the 2024 Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize for the new opera, “Computing Venus.” The opera provided a fascinating glimpse into the life of astronomer Maria Mitchell, a ground-breaking historical figure who paved the way for women in STEM in the 19th century. The opera followed Mitchell’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of women astronomers, even as growing movements threatened to close the world of science to women forever.
“We were thrilled to present the world premiere of ‘Computing Venus,’ a remarkable new opera that not only showcased the exceptional talents of our Crane School of Music students, and of the opera’s creators Timothy Takach and Caitlin Vincent, but also celebrated the inspiring legacy of Maria Mitchell. This production embodied our commitment to fostering innovation and diversity in the arts, and continued the legacy Gary Jaquay has created at the Crane School since establishing the Pellicciotti Prize more than a decade ago. We invited the community to join us for this extraordinary event and to experience the powerful storytelling and musical excellence that the Crane Opera Ensemble is known for,” said Crane School of Music Interim Dean Dr. David Heuser.
Takach and Vincent were awarded a $25,000 commission to complete the new work. The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble brought “Computing Venus” to life, in a production led by Stage Director Cindy Oxberry and Music Director/Conductor Andrew Voelker.
“Inspired by the stars, encouraged by her family to reach for them, this woman of science, swam upstream against the current of men in science, to reach for her stars on earth – teaching others to appreciate the science of learning about what was in the sky above us all,” Oxberry said. “For me, this is the soul of the opera – the female human spirit can endure much and can keep moving forward and can state very clearly that science told them then, women could learn anything and be successful at it.”
“Computing Venus” opened with an educational outreach performance for students from area schools on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 9:30 a.m., in the Sara M. Snell Music Theater (tickets were available by reservation only to this performance).
Evening performances were offered on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, at 7:30 p.m., ending with a matinee on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m., also in Snell Theater.
All performances featured a pre-performance talk by the composer and librettist, beginning 30 minutes before each show began. Admission was free, and all were welcome to attend.
“As a collaborative artist and music educator, I am thrilled that our students at The Crane School of Music had the opportunity this year to both workshop and premiere this new opera, written specifically for us,” said Voelker, who is a visiting assistant professor of vocal coaching and accompanying. “In today’s musical climate, the ability for artists to collaborate and to breathe life into brand new music is one of the most important skills that we can impart, both within the field of traditional music and among contemporary genres and music industry. We excitedly welcomed composer Timothy Takach and librettist Caitlin Vincent to Potsdam, and thank them for taking the time to work directly with our students.”
The student cast and orchestra included 44 talented students, including dual-casting of each of the principal roles. Noted dramaturg Cori Ellison, a leading creative figure in the opera world, assisted Takach and Vincent as they developed their final work.
The world premiere production of “Computing Venus” included projection design by Camilla Tassi, lighting design by Tonry Lathroum, technical direction by Thomas Grabowski, wardrobe supervision by Sarah Diederich, and stage management by Ryan Holahan and Dana Butcher.
The Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize was founded by Dr. Gary C. Jaquay ’67 to honor his life partner, Domenic J. Pellicciotti, an ardent fan of opera. The award seeks to encourage and acknowledge the creation of new opera works that explore themes related to tolerance, inclusion or the celebration of diversity. The Pellicciotti Prize is awarded every four years. To learn more about the Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize, visit www.potsdam.edu/pellicciotti.
About the Crane Opera Ensemble:
The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble provides exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production, through rehearsals, coaching and classes related to performance practices and production techniques. The ensemble’s productions have garnered awards from the National Opera Association (2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017, 2023), and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (2010). To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/opera.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
General News Arts & Culture Campus Announcements