Opera Guild of Northern Virginia
Making Opera Accessible and Affordable for Children in Northern Virginia
Making Opera Accessible and Affordable for Children in Northern Virginia
OGNV's Links
Thank you to our Sponsors
If you are having any problems with the website please contact our webmaster Mike Becvar at operaguild@ sirbudproductions.com.
Benefit Concert for Haiti
Added: 16-April-2010
Join the Opera Guild for Art Songs to Arias Showtunes to Swing, a concert to benefit
Haitian children arts and education on Sunday, May 9, 2010.
When the massive earthquake struck Haiti in January, 2010, it literally destroyed what was already
a desperately impoverished island country not far from the southern United States. Having nothing
left but their ebullient spirit, Haitians inspired the compassion of the entire world. American
organizations large and small sought ways to help.
With your help, the Guild will support the needs of the Saint Croix School in Haiti. The school
has about 350 students and was build by Fr. Jean Nicolas (living in Falls Church now).
Art Songs to Arias Showtunes to Swing
Sunday, May 9, 2010
3:00 pm
NRECA Bldg.
4301 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22203
Free indoor parking
Suggested Donation $15.00
Performances By:
Andrew Kraus - pianist
Alicia Deligans
Donna Kepler
Jackson Ceasar
Jennifer Paschal
Jeff Dokken
Judy Richér
Maria Cantell
Local Artist Offering Original Works:
Alice Whealin
Andrea Brown
Carol Lopatin
Irene Clouthier
Ron Lewis
2010 Congressional Art Competition
Added: 16-April-2010
The Opera Guild encourages students in grades 9-12 to participate in this year's Congressional Art
Competition. It is a nationwide art competition for students in grades 9-12 organized by the U.S.
House of Representatives. Northern Virginia Congressman Jim Moran, Wolf and Connolly are all participating
in this year's competition. April 23th, 2010 is the Entry Deadline. Learn more about
Art Competition on
Congressman Moran's website.
Benefit Concert for musical/arts needs of Haitian Children
Added: 9-March-2010
Please join the upcoming effort to raise money to send material musical and arts supplies to Haitian
School Children. The Guild is hosting a Benefit Concert to keep Haiti singing.
Join us in sending supplies for arts education—to Haiti's Children.
When: Sunday, May 9, 2010 (Mother's Day)
Time: 3:00PM
Where: NRECA Bldg.(N. Taylor and Wilson Blvd.-Arlington)
Free Indoor Parking
We hope the members of our new Young Professionals Music Committee will join us in this
effort. How you can help:
Young Professionals Music Committee
Added: 1-March-2010
The Guild is looking to engage young people in their 20s and 30s by creating a
Young Professionals Music Committee. This committee will become a "floating audience" which
is being modeled after the Washington National Opera's Generation O Committee. We believe young
professionals welcome a volunteering aspect to any outside activity they join.
Through the committee, we seek to further our
mission by tapping into their musical knowledge, interest in volunteering, and love for
socializing. Help us chart our future and join the Young Professionals Music Committee.
Opera Guild of Northern Virginia Brunch
Added: 23-February-2010
On Sunday, February 14, 2010, the Guild held a Holiday Champagne Brunch at the Fort Myers' Officers
Club in Arlington, VA. The day included entertainment by Judy Richer with Jerry Allen the accompanist
and Emma Sofie Moore, 5th grade at Jamestown Elementary School in Arlington, with her mother,
Debbie Moore.
Kids Loved Pinocchio
Added: 31-January-2010
The results are in! The kids loved the fall 2009 production of Pinocchio.
We love to hear from the kids after they see the Children's Opera. Several schools sent
in piles of letters and pictures from the students after they saw Pinocchio. After
reading all of their letters, it is clear how much they enjoyed their experience.
Opera Guild Volunteer Opportunities
Added: 24-January-2010
The Opera Guild is in need of volunteers to lead several new initiatives. Some of the opportunities
include:
National Opera Week
Added: 15-November-2009
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia reminds everyone to celebrate National Opera Week on
November 13-22, 2009.
Find local events at
http://www.operaamerica.org/content/education/now.aspx.
The Children's Opera is an International Treat
Added: 15-November-2009
The National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) of People to People International (PTPI) once again
invited international families to attend OTNV's family opera, this year Pinocchio on Sunday,
October 18th. The families are temporarily in the U.S. while one parent is an International Military
Fellow attending the National Defense University. The Guild and NCAC fellowship goes back many years
and is seeking to expand. PTPI is an organization to enhance international understanding and friendship
through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and
experiences among people of different countries and diverse cultures. Founded by Dwight D. Eisenhower,
his granddaughter Mary Jean Eisenhower, now leads this organizations. PTPI is a voluntary effort of
private citizens promoting international understanding through direct people-to-people contacts and
connections.
For these special guests, the Opera Guild invited local clowns from Just Clowning Around of Northern
Virginia to help entertain. The webmaster for the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia, Mike Becvar, is
also a clown with Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia.
Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia (JCA) is a not for profit organization that provides clowns,
face painters, and balloon twisters for other nonprofit organizations in Northern Virginia / Washington,
DC area. The purpose of JCA is to promote, preserve and present the time-honored profession of clowning.
If you would like to learn more about JCA, visit their website
http://www.justclowningaround.org/.
Opera Guild of Northern Virginia Brunch
Added: 15-November-2009
Attendance at this year's Opera Guild brunch signals an appreciation of the dedicated and gifted
work of John Edward Niles, OTNV's Artistic Director. It also serves as a reunion of many of OTNV's
supporters. The Opera Guild held their annual brunch on Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at the
Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington. The guild recognized the contributions of local artists
and teachers including:
Follow Us on Facebook
Added: 2-September-2009
You can now follow the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia and its members on facebook.
We have created a new group and would love to see the guild members, local teachers,
and fans of the opera.
Fall Classes from ALRI
Added: 2-September-2009
Looking for something to do? Check out the fall classes from
Arlington Learning In Retirement Institute (ALRI).
Two classes that you may find interesting are: Behind the Scenes at Signature Theatre and Richard
Strauss: A Flawed Genius.
Behind the Scenes at Signature Theatre will take you behind the scenes to see what is involved in
selecting a script, designing the set, lights, costumes and sound, casting and rehearsing the actors,
mounting the show on the stage and finally filling the seats in the theater.
Richard Strauss: Flawed Genius is being taught by John Edward Niles, Artistic Director and
Conductor of the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia. The course will examine Strauss's personal life and
see how criticism of his relations with Germany's Nazi government during his later years dimmed his
reputation as a man and as a musician.
Performances for Young Audiences
Added: 2-September-2009
Are you looking for ways to introduce your kids to theatre?
Check out the Kennedy Center's
Performances for Young Audiences: 2009-2010 Season
They have a lot of fun shows planned including:
2009 Award Winners
Added: 26-August-2009
On Sunday, September 13, 2009, the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia is holding its
Annual Fall Brunch and Award Ceremony. At the brunch OGNV will present awards to four local
individuals:
Opera Guild of Northern Virginia
Annual Fall Brunch and Awards Ceremony
Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at Noon
Army-Navy Country Club
2400 18th Street, South
Arlington, VA
Members: $32 / Non-Members: $35
Open Cash Bar
Free Parking
To reserve a place for yourself at the brunch, please contact Miriam Miller at
mcdm1@verizon.net.
Opera In the Outfield - A FREE Simulcast at Nationals Park
Added: 20-August-2009
Great news for all of the Opera lovers in the Washington, DC area.
Join Washington National Opera for Target FREE Opera in the Outfield, a live simulcast of the
Season Opening of The Barber of Seville, featuring ABC 7's Horace Holmes, special events,
prizes and more at Nationals Park! FREE and open to the public. Tickets and registration not
required.
For more information or to make a reservation visit
http://www.wnosimulcast.org/
or call Washington National Opera's Simulcast Hotline 24 hours a day at 202.572.3057!
Upcoming Events at the Kennedy Center
Added: 20-August-2009
The Kennedy Center has many events for the Opera Lovers planned for their 2009-2010 season.
Check out the latest events on their website at
http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/?fuseaction=searchGenre&genre=OPR.
New Payment Options
Added: 23-July-2009
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia will soon be able to accept payments for tickets, membership,
and donations via PayPal. For now, you can make a donation to the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia.
Volunteers and United We Serve
Added: 23-July-2009
Earlier this summer President Obama launched the
United We Serve campaign, calling on all Americans
to help in our nation's recovery by volunteering in their communities.
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time
and helped the Guild with its mission to make opera accessible and affordable for children in
Northern Virginia. We hope you continue to volunteer your time and many talents. Visit the
Volunteer Arlington website to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Opera Guild of
Northern Virginia.
AAUW Awards Spotlight Arts in Arlington
Added: 20-June-2009
Miriam Miller was honored with the Arlington Branch AAUW (American Association of University Women) Award
for Notable Support for the Arts. A retired lawyer, Miller has served as president of the Opera Guild of
Northern Virginia and has worked tirelessly to give children exposure to opera. At the end of the luncheon,
the award-givers became award recipients, as Arlington Arts Commission chairman John Seal presented the
Arlington AAUW with a special honor for its promotion of arts in the county.
Visit Pittsburgh with the Opera Guild
Added: 20-June-2009
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia is going on a trip to Pittsburgh!
October 31 to November 2, 2009
Special Price: $650
Please, join us! We are planning tons of fun including: Opera (Falstaff), Musical (Ella), Elegant Brunch,
Dinners, Wine, High Tea, City Tours, Art Museums, and Good Friends. We will stay at the Renaissance Hotel
and have a dedicated bus. Contact Miriam Miller at 703-536-7557 or mcdm1@verizon.net for more information
or to sign up for the trip.
View Flyer
Pinocchio
Added: 09-May-2009
Pinocchio is hot this year. An opera commissioned in England and created by composer Jonathan Dove was
premiered in the U. S. by the Minnesota Opera Company. A three hour version for adults, this new
operatic version of The Adventures of Pinocchio, was true to its original story. The company worried
if it would be too scary for children, but, the reports came back "not at all."
Then the April 30, 2009 edition of The New York Review of Books, in great detail discusses a new translation
Geoffrey Brock with an introduction by Umberto Eco and an afterword by Rebecca West. Captioned
Knock on Wood, reviewer Tim Parks offers a study of the 1881 creation of Carlo Collodi. Collidi's
first efforts of writing books for school children in one unifying Italian language was rejected by the
Ministry of Education. The books were rejected for school children to read because they were so
"humorously frivolous as to detract from the seriousness of teaching. Collidi's position was that while
education is essential, it is presented as generally dull and often futile."
On May 31st, The Children's Spanish Chorus of Arlington will present a Spanish version of Collidi's puppet
story and then in October, Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia presents Collidi's puppet story with music of
the great Rossini adapted by Carl Zytowski for a family audience. See the Events page for more information
about upcoming performances of Pinocchio.
MET Opera 2009-10 Season
Added: 02-May-2009
General Manager Peter Gelb and Music Director James Levine recently announced the lineup for next
season's Live in HD performances. The series, which just won a Peabody Award, will present nine
live transmissions in its fourth season. Information about tickets and theatres in the Northern Virginia/
Washington, DC area showing the HD performances will be added this summer.
Tosca - October 10, 2009
Approximate running time 3 hours 30 minutes / 2 intermissions
James Levine; Karita Mattila, Marcelo Alvarez, Juha Uusitalo, Paul Plishka
Aida - October 24, 2009
Approximate running time 4 hours / 2 intermissions
Daniele Gatti; Violeta Urmana, Dolora Zajick, Johan Botha, Carlo Guelfi, Roberto Scandiuzzi, Stefan Kocan
Turandot - November 7, 2009
Approximate running time 3 hours 30 minutes / 2 intermissions
Andris Nelsons; Maria Guleghina, Marina Poplavskaya, Marcello Giordani, Samuel Ramey
Les Contes d'Hoffmann - December 19, 2009
Approximate running time 3 hours / 2 intermissions
James Levine; Kathleen Kim, Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Gubanova, Elina Garanča, TBA, Rene Pape
Der Rosenkavalier - January 9, 2010
Approximate running time 4 hours 45 minutes / 2 intermissions
James Levine; Renee Fleming, Susan Graham, Christine Schafer, Eric Cutler, Thomas Allen, Kristinn Sigmundsson
Carmen - January 16, 2010
Approximate running time 4 hours / 2 intermissions
Yannick Nezet-Seguin; Barbara Frittoli, Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Mariusz Kwiecien
Simon Boccanegra - February 6, 2010
Approximate running time 3 hours 40 minutes / 2 intermissions
James Levine; Adrianne Pieczonka, Marcello Giordani, Placido Domingo, James Morris
Hamlet - March 27, 2010
Approximate running time 3 hours 45 minutes / 1 intermission
Louis Langree; Natalie Dessay, Jennifer Larmore, Toby Spence, Simon Keenlyside, James Morris
Armida - May 1, 2010
Approximate running time 4 hours 20 minutes / 2 intermissions
Riccardo Frizza; Renee Fleming, Lawrence Brownlee, Bruce Ford, Jose Manuel Zapata, Barry Banks, Kobie van Rensburg
The Audition
Added: 02-May-2009
Did you see "The Audition"? One of the winners, Ryan Smith, passed away November 2008 of lymphatic
cancer. He lived to fulfill his dream of singing on the Met's stage and to be one of the 7 winners.
He got to perform with Thomas Hampson, who commended his performance. Let's deluge his family members
with notes of thanks and appreciation for his life and talent. You may send your message in care of the
Metropolitan Opera. The address to send is:
The family of Ryan Smith
c/o The Metropolitan Opera National Council
Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023
Buy Your Books from Amazon.com
Added: 19-February-2009
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia is now an associate of Amazon.com and asks you to shop at Amazon.com
for all of your Opera and books. Over the coming weeks, we will list a few books that we recommend.
Grant Proposals
Added: 19-February-2009
Grant/Proposal writer with prior experience needed to help the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia.
Minimum of six proposals need to be submitted per season. Preparation for Grant Request to
National Endowment of the Arts. Retiree/Graduate Student acceptable. Work can be done independently
or in office. The Guild will offer a 10% commission on successful grants. Contact
us at operaguildnova@yahoo.com for more information.
Updated: 23-July-2009
The grant/proposal writer position has been filled by Monika Jansen. We needed a "turn-around artist"
and we found one in Monika Jansen! After (too) many years of doing our own arts management and fund
raising, Monika Jansen's support, creativity and organizational skills are leading us to a level we
never expected. More than her skills, she has given the Guild a self-esteem we needed and a pride in
our mission!!
Verdi: Revolutionary and Patriot
Added: 19-February-2009
Our conductor John Edward Niles, will be teaching a class on the Great Italian oprea composer Giusseppe Verdi
at Arlington Learning in Retirement Institute starting
on March 18th. Classes will be Wednesdays 1:00-2:30 PM between March 18 and April 22, 2009. Call 703-228-1300
for information.
The Great Italian oprea composer Giusseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was revered by the people of his country not
only for his melodic and passionate music but also for his support of nationalism at a critical point in
Italinan History. This course will focus on Verdi's music while also assessing his role in Italian politics.
AAUW Inspires Barrett Elementary School Opera Lovers
Added: 19-February-2009
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia was thrilled to learn that AAUW has sent Barrett students to the
opera. According to Miriam Miller of the Opera Guild, “What AAUW has done at Barrett is what we hope
other organizations will emulate.” In September, the Guild presented Music Teacher of the Year award
to Mary Hannah Klontz, who teaches at Barrett Elementary. Miriam Miller commented that “in the
presentation to Mary Hannah we want to acknowledge the role of AAUW at Barrett Elementary School as an
inspiration to other organizations to do the same.”
In 2005, AAUW members provided funding for Barrett fourth graders to attend “The Barber of Seville.”
Nancy Joyner, past President of the AAUW of Virginia, read about the program in our newsletter. She
established a memorial fund in memory of her brother, Doug Douglas, which provides funding annually for
at least one class to attend the opera. Doug Douglas, a teacher, choreographer and opera lover, was
particularly interested in introducing children to opera. Dr. Joyner attended on her birthday, and the
children sent wonderful, imaginative thank you notes and birthday wishes to her. One of the favorites
from the previous year was "This is the first and best opera I have ever seen."
In 2007, the entire Barrett first grade attended “Hansel and Gretel” where they saw one of their
classmates in the production. In October 2008, the Doug Douglas Memorial Fund enabled Barrett fourth
graders to see Rossini's “La Cenerentola.”
In their thank you notes, one child wrote that he liked “when the fake king was actually the king's
servant.” Another wrote that “The music was great. Every moment was thrilling.” Opera lovers are
growing at Barrett, thanks to the AAUW.
Opera Theatre's Children's Opera
Added: 27-January-2009
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia and the Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia have
begun planning the children's opera and have selected Pinocchio. The Opera Theatre
last performed Pinocchio in January 2004. We expect the opera will be first week in November,
but dates have not been finalized. We will post additional information about
the opera and a study guide as soon as it is available.
Cinderella Study Guide
Added: 26-September-2008
The Opera Guild
of Northern Virginia has created a study guide for Cinderella.
Download Cinderella Study Guide
(PDF File)
Nottingham Elementary's Music Masters Program
Added: 14-September-2008
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia would like to recognize the efforts
Nottingham Elementary school had made to bring music into their education via their
Music Masters Program.
Music Masters is a program designed to bring the beauty and power of music into the
classroom. Children interact by listening to, moving to, and/or watching the music.
Parent volunteers go into the classroom several times a year to share and present a
musical selection. We have a variety of selections, from Boogie Woogie to Bach, from
Ragtime to Rachmaninoff, from Opera to Oklahoma! Parents are provided with the materials
needed (e.g., CD of music, activity and discussion suggestions, and sample lesson plans)
for a short lesson in the classroom. A sheet describing the lesson also goes home so
that students can share what they have discovered.
Music Masters is based on the “Classics in the Classroom” series which was developed in
1994 in collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The program integrates music
appreciation with literature, history, and art. The hope is that children will be able
to make their own interpretations and use critical thinking to form their own judgments
about the musical selections. Throughout the school year, the program offers study units
including musical selections of opera, ballet, symphonies, and musical theatre. Each
selection highlights musical characteristics that make it unique. Musical terms,
biographical information about the composers, and an introduction to various instruments
are also peppered throughout each lesson.
While Music Masters is developmentally appropriate in structure, the program does not
underestimate the listening capacity or the musical understanding of the students. We
have found that students readily accept this freedom to make their own judgments.
Music Masters Co-Chairs: Nicole Finnegan and Liz Hall
Arlington Branch of AAUW partnership with Barrett Elementary School
Added: 14-September-2008
The Arlington Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has had a
partnership with Barrett Elementary for more than ten years. They have a number of
interesting activities and programs they support at Barrett.
During the past seven years, they accomplished the following:
Opera: For a number of years, contributions from our members provided funding for at
least one class at Barrett to attend the Northern Virginia opera. Nancy Joyner, Past
President of the AAUW of Virginia, was impressed with the program at Barrett after
reading about it in the newsletter. In 2005, she established a memorial fund in memory
of her brother, Doug Douglas, that provides funding annually for at least one class to
attend the opera. Her brother, a teacher, choreographer and a lover of opera, was
particularly interested in introducing children to opera. Last year, they sent a
record number of children using funding from the Memorial Fund and contributions from
the Arlington AAUW members. And the program is creating new opera fans. Each year,
they enjoy the wonderful thank you letters from the children. One child concluded his
letter last year with "p.s. you rock!!!"
Arts: In 2005, The Arlington Chapter of AAUW honored Melissa Poore', a teacher at Barrett
and creator of the K.W. Barrett Reading Train, with our Award for Notable Achievement in
the Arts. This is an award given annually to honor an individual in Arlington who has
made a substantial contribtuion to the arts in our community. Additional support for
the arts comes through our donation or art books and contributions to purchase new
books.
Other activities include:
Reading is Fundamental Book Distrbutions: They have three book distrbutions each year,
where Barrett students a select a new book to take home and enjoy, including books on
the arts.
Read Across America: AAUW volunteers particpated in "Read Across America" at Barrett
Elementary School, as well as "Poem in a Pocket" day where students, teachers and
volunteers carry a favorite poem in their pocket to read to one another.
Career Days: AAUW members speak to Barrett classes about their careers including those
in the arts.
Tutoring: AAUW members work one-on-one with Barrett students to improve their reading,
vocabulary, comprehension and math skills. These tutors go to Barrett once or twice
each week.
Joyce Pickering Memorial Great Books Collection: The Arlington Branch of AAUW
established this fund in memory of Joyce Pickering who co-chaired the Barrett Partnership
and tutored for many years. In the first year, more than $1,500 was donated to the
school.
Occupational Therapy: In 2007, the Arlington Branch contributed funds for occupational
therapy for students. These funds were used to purchase items for students to improve
balance and to help with writing skills. In addtion, Barret used some of the fund to
purchase items to enhance the music program for students with disabilities.
Opera Guild of Northern Virginia Brunch
Added: 17-August-2008
Sunday, September 14th, 2008 at Noon
Army-Navy Country Club
2400 18th Street, South
Arlington, VA
Members: $32 / Non-Members: $36
To reserve a place for yourself at the brunch, please contact Miriam Miller at
mcdm1@verizon.net.
The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD
Added: 17-August-2008
The Met's groundbreaking series of live, high-definition performance transmissions to
movie theaters around the world expands in its third season. To meet increasing global
demand, The Met: Live in HD will present 11 transmissions in 2008-09, up from eight.
The HD productions will be seen in almost 800 venues and a number of new countries in
South America and Europe are joining the network this season. Don't miss the chance
to experience the Met live at your local movie theater! Tickets are now on sale.
See the Metropolitan Opera Website for details.
Many members of the Opera Guild will see the Met's Operas at:
Regal Ballston Common 12
671 N. Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 527-9730
Senior tickets are $20, adult tickets are $22, and child tickets are $15.
The Guild took some time to speak with the manager at Regal Ballston Common 12.
If for some reason you can't make a performance you purchased tickets, you can redeem
that ticket for some future performance or the encore presentation. There will not be
a monetary refund.
Theatre goers should ask for a "Regal theatre card" (no charge). Upon purchase of any
ticket, you accumulate points which at some point you can get free concession (popcorn,
soda, free future ticket, etc).
Parking at Ballston Common Mall on Saturday is $1.00 for the entire day.
Board Member for Opera Guild of Northern Virginia
Added: 7-July-2008
Volunteer needed to serve on Board of the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia to assist
Guild in its mission to continue performance of professional annual opera for young
area students. Help Guild keep an introductory taste to the classical art of opera
for our now very diverse audience. Board member can help define what position
emphasis will be. One need is how to promote performance of bilingual opera by and
for children.
Cinderella - Children's Annual Opera in October 2008
Added: 27-May-2008
Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia will produce an opera for a student audience of
Cinderella, an abridged version of Rossini's great classic opera
La Cenerentola (pronounced: Lah Che-neh-REN-toh-lah), the Italian title for
Cinderella. Performances are scheduled for Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 PM and Saturday,
November 1, at 3:00 PM and for school students October 28, 29, and 30 (and maybe October 31)
at 10:00 AM.
Download a flyer.
Reserve Tickets
for the school performances.
A Public Dialogue on The State of Arts Education in Arlington Schools
Added: 27-May-2008
The Guild hosted a forum in Arlington to discuss whether public schools are focusing more
and more on core curricula such as English and math which has caused arts education to be
squeezed out of the school curriculum.
Carol Erion, supervisor of arts programs in Arlington Public Schools noted that
"the arts are discreet, intellectual disciplines that are worth teaching on their own
merits.
It was clear that even with a small budget and demands of federal regulations, APS are
doing an outstanding job in coping with the "squeeze" of arts education programs. Guild
President Miriam Miller express the hope that parents and interested members of the
community will take note of what arts programs are being given in the schools. She
encouraged parents and community groups to supplement and fill in any perceived gaps.
Hansel and Gretel—
The Opera Different
by Nancy Hall
Added: 27-May-2008
OTNV's recent production of Hansel and Gretel offered a new take on an old story. Creating that
difference were Helen Hayes Award-winning director Joe Banno and kids—nine of them. Banno, who
partnered with OTNV as director of Cosi Fan Tutte last year, set the opera in the 1950s. Hansel
and Gretel (Elaine Dalbo and Katherine Osborne) raced around the stage on scooters, the witch
(Sarah Philippa) exchanged her broom for a vacuum cleaner, and the dew fairy (Kathy Hankins)
appeared as a hospital grey lady.
The children, ages 6 to 14, were angels, night creatures, and preppy kids sporting blazers.
They sang, danced, moved scenery, and cavorted on stage and behind the scrim in grotesque
masks.
Judy Richer, who directed the children's chorus, provided a bridge between the zany director
and young singers. She claimed that her role in Hansel and Gretel differed from that in
previous productions.
In the past Richer mainly directed the children's chorus, leaving staging to the director.
But in Hansel and Gretel she collaborated with Banno. In many cases Banno outlined general
ideas for staging, while Richer came up with the specifics. For example, Banno wanted the
children to dance. Richer visualized a circle dance around Hansel and Gretel, choreographed
it, and it worked.
The age span of the children, differences in stage experience, and their multiple roles also
posed challenges. "Often I paired young children with older ones, so that kids were coaching
and cueing other kids," she says.
Richer was used to hanging out back stage to make sure everything went well. But in Hansel
and Gretel her directing job ended once performances began. "I had to work to make myself
obsolete, so that the children could work comfortably and independently without me."
The children's resourcefulness was tested when one child was sick and missed a performance.
The rest regrouped and carried on.
Promoting cohesion between adults and children was another goal. "In other children's operas
there were two casts: the adult cast and the children's cast. I wanted to make those lines
disappear," Richer states.
At the first Saturday rehearsal the children brought lunch for everyone-- a great icebreaker
that helped adults and children get acquainted. "The cast of Hansel and Gretel became one
cast, and all adults were very kind to the children," Richer says.
Maya Ewart, a third-grader at McKinley Elementary School, confirmed that all of the adults
were nice, but assistant stage manager Anna Solomon was the kids' favorite. "We called her
'Charlie,' so that we could be "Charlie's Angels," she says.
Thirteen-year-old Anne Lacey, who appeared in OTNV productions of The Nightingale and Los
Bohemios, found performing in Hansel and Gretel more fun than the other operas. "There
were more kids to play around with, and the adults liked to joke around, too."
William Farmer, a third grader at Claremont Immersion School, had appeared in the Spanish
Children's Chorus production of "The Magic Hat". Yet performing in Hansel and Gretel was
very different, he claims. "Unlike being in a chorus, this was real—this was the big time.
We had more songs to remember, and learning the cues was hard."
Would the children like to sing in a future opera? "Yes, totally yes," Anne answers. The
rest of Charlie's angels agree.
Opera and the Dance
Added: 27-May-2008
Opera Theatre cancelled their May 17th production due to unforeseen circumstances.
SunTrust - Our Checking. Your Cause
Looking to open a new checking account? If you open an account at SunTrust Bank,
SunTrust will donate $100 to the charity of your choice. (We hope you choose the
Opera Guild of Northern Virginia.) Visit
SunTrust for
more information.
New Guild Website
We have recently updated the Guild's website. We hope you like the new look. If you have
any comments or suggestions, email the webmaster Mike Becvar at
operaguild@ sirbudproductions.com.