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Lake George Opera is a professional opera company, enjoying its 42nd
season of productions in 2003. In addition to producing opera of
the highest caliber at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Springs, the
company also boasts the country’s second oldest Apprentice Artist
Program, which has launched the careers of some of this country’s
leading artists. LGO also has an active Education program,
including Opera to Go and Opera a la Carte, which introduced opera to
over 17,000 elementary, middle and high school students in 2003.
As a continuing part of its effort to be a “year-round” company,
LGO has other events throughout the year, including a golf tournament
that benefits its Education Programs. This September, the
company will hold its 3rd annual tournament at Hiland Golf Club in
Queensbury. In November, the company will hold its second annual
Fall Concert at the Spa Little Theater entitled Sing to Love.
In 2001, the company’s volunteers reorganized under the moniker
Friends of Lake George Opera. This group, which now numbers over
200, is involved in a number of support efforts, and also co-produces
the annual Pasta and Puccini concert with LGO each April.
This summer LGO presents Rossini’s sparkling comedy, La
Cenerentola (Cinderella), which opens for four performances on
July 5. Exciting young mezzo-soprano Jennifer Rivera will be
featured in the title role. She will be joined by tenor Matthew
Chellis as Prince Ramiro, baritone Christopheren Nomura as Dandini,
bass Matthew Lau as Don Magnifico, and bass David Cushing as Alidoro.
William Boggs will conduct and Matthew Lata, who directs for regional
companies across America, will direct. Performances are July 5,
8 and 10 at 7:30 pm and on July 12 at 2:00 pm.
LGO will have the honor of seeing and hearing esteemed singing
actress Sheryl Woods’ first performances in the title role of Carlisle
Floyd’s American classic, Susannah, opening July 6. Ms.
Woods, who some may remember in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor
at SPAC a few years ago, has been renowned for her portrayal of Birdie
in Blitzstein’s Regina, and has received glowing notices for
her role in Dead Man Walking this season at the New York City
Opera. Joining Ms. Woods will be bass-baritone Donald Sherrill
as Olin Blitch, tenor David Crawley as Susannah’s brother Sam, and
tenor Joel Sorensen, as Little Bat. LGO’s Apprentice Artists
will be featured in supporting roles. Susan Davenny Wyner, music
director of the New England String Ensemble (and who recently
conducted a memorable Ballad of Baby Doe for Boston Lyric Opera) will
conduct. John Stephens, who has been a hit for LGO on stage (Sulpice
in last year’s The Daughter of the Regiment, and Dick Deadeye
in 2001’s H.M.S. Pinafore), steps behind the stage to
direct. Performances are July 6 & 13 at 2:00 pm, and July 9 & 11
at 7:30 pm.
LGO also provides FREE Pre-Opera Talks in the Spa Little Theater
one hour prior to each performance of La Cenerentola &
Susannah. For tickets to La Cenerentola & Susannah, call the
SPAC Box office at 518-587-3330. For tickets to Opera on the Lake,
call LGO office at 518-584-6018.
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