Crane Opera Ensemble Performs Famous Operatic Works in Concert with Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 3 & 4 at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music
Gabriella Maresco ’25, who is one of three vocalists singing the title role of "Carmen" in the Crane Opera Ensemble’s Fall 2023 production of "Opera à la Carte," rehearses a scene. The opera ensemble will perform alongside the full Crane Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., in Snell Theater.
The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble will present a program of “Opera à la Carte” on Nov. 3 and 4, performing in concert for the first time alongside the full Crane Symphony Orchestra at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music.
The ensemble will present a series of famous operatic arias and scenes, semi-staged, alongside the full orchestra on stage at the Sara M. Snell Music Theater, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4, at 7:30 p.m. These concerts are free, and the public is invited to attend.
“Our scenes are famous, ranging from ‘Carmen’ to ‘La Bohème,’ ‘Pagliacci’ and ‘Pirates of Penzance,’ to ‘The Magic Flute.’ There will be solos, duets, quintets and works for full chorus—something for everyone to get a taste of some of the most standard and beloved works of the repertoire,” said Margaret Chalker, a visiting assistant professor of voice who is directing the ensemble this semester. “We chose the title ‘Opera à la Carte’ because our evening will be like attending a restaurant serving small plates or appetizers, teasers of what the full plate would be.”
Rebecca Gatto ’27 dances while rehearsing a scene from “Carmen” at The Crane School of Music. Gatto is also singing the title role in Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” in a scene that will be presented during an evening of "Opera à la Carte," presented by the Crane Opera Ensemble and Crane Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 3 and 4.
The performance will be conducted by Dr. Adrian Slywotzky, director of the Crane Symphony Orchestra, with music direction by Andrew Voelker and stage direction by Chalker and Dr. Steven Groth.
This performance will be broadcast live on the Crane School of Music YouTube channel at the concert time. To view the program and see other upcoming streaming performances, visit www.potsdam.edu/cranelive.
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 (2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017), 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.
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