alexander hahn

Opera Ithaca Performs at the Cherry Artspace

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Opera Ithaca presents Ambroise Thomas’ opera version of Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Hamlet’ at the Cherry Artspace.  We hear from conductor Keith Chambers about this very French version of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, which is no less powerful than the original. And the conductor gets into the action too in this innovative production.  

Photo credit: Opera Ithaca

Arts

Opera Ithaca Presents ‘Pagliacci’ at Circus Culture

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Opera Ithaca presents Ruggero Leoncavallo’s versimo opera ‘Pagliacci’ at Circus Culture in Ithaca. Director Zachary James joined us via Skype from New York just as the company was preparing to present the opera at The Slipper Room in the East Village in Manhattan. He talks about incorporating circus acts into the commedia dell’arte elements of the opera. https://wskg.org/audio/pagliacci.mp3

 

Photo credit: Opera Ithaca

Arts

Opera Ithaca Presents Rossini's 'Cinderella' in Three Performances

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Opera Ithaca is presenting Gioachino Rossini’s version the the Cinderella story for two full-length performances and one performance of a short children’s version. General Director Zachary James and hair and make-up coordinator Dorothy Peterson talk about the history of the original version, staging this effervescent comedy with a large cast, and adding choreography.  They also tell about their visit to a vast costume warehouse to find appropriate clothing for the cast — and finding some costumes specially made for well-known singers. https://wskg.org/audio/cinderella.mp3

Arts

Opera Ithaca Honors Edward M. Murray with a Voice Competition

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Opera Ithaca is presenting its inaugural Edward M. Murray Competition of Voice on Sunday, March 19 from 2pm to 7pm in the Community School of Music and Arts. It is free and open to the public.  Artistic Director Lynn Craver and General Director Zachary James (pictured), both singers themselves, join us to talk about the avalanche of submissions they received from all over the world, and about the legacy of Edward M. Murray himself. https://wskg.org/audio/operacompetition.mp3

 

Photo credit: Opera Ithaca

Arts

Ithaca Ballet Presents an Array of Short Ballets at the Hangar Theatre

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Ithaca Ballet, under the direction of Cindy Reid, presents an evening of cutting edge and innovative dance with works by Larry Brantley, Amy O’Brien, Tucker Davis, Kevin Olmstead. J. Locarro and Heather MacNeill, Lena Rose Polzonetti, M. Matteer and Anna Nolan Wheatley along with a wide variety of music.  Cindy Reid tells us what to expect. https://wskg.org/audio/0131ithacaballet.mp3

 

Photo credit: Johann Studier via Ithaca Ballet

Arts

Opera Ithaca Presents 'The Abduction from the Seraglio'

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Opera Ithaca presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s comedy ‘The Abduction from the Seraglio’ in a gala New Year’s Eve performance in the Kitchen Theatre of Ithaca.  Artistic Director, soprano Lynn Craver and General Director, bass Zachary James talk about returning to Ithaca to form this young opera company, as well as the challenges of putting together a full opera in just a few days. https://wskg.org/audio/1228seraglio.mp3

 

Photo credit: Opera Ithaca