OperaArts Outreach |
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OperaArts endeavors to bring the artistic experience to the residents of the Coachella Valley by creating programs of Opera, operetta, musical theater, dance, art and other expressive arts for the enjoyment, enlightenment and betterment of all in our community.
September 23, 2010 saw the premier of the OperaArts Outreach Program. "Don’t Be Afraid, It’s Just Opera! Don't Be Afraid! It's Just Opera! starring famed mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán will be available to schools this year through the Music Center. Suzanna Guzmán is a Principal artist with the Los Angeles Opera appearing in the operas Giulio Cesare, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Florencia en el Amazonas, Gianni Schicchi Peter Grimes,The Marriage of Figaro, Faust and more. She has also appeared as soloist with many other American and international opera companies. These include the Metropolitan Opera, the Kennedy Center, Dresden Opera, Opera de Nice, Grand Theatre de Geneve. Ms. Guzmán was a featured soloist on the Grammy-nominated album for best classical album: Carlos Chavez Volume 3 with Southwest Chamber Music, soprano Alba Quezada and Tambuco Percussion Ensemble of Mexico. Her award winning one woman show, Don't Be Afraid: It's Just Opera! has been performed for over 200,000 students nationwide. She exaggerates and makes fun of operatic stereotypes, tearing down barriers and inviting students into her world. Her show features music from Gianni Schicchi and Madame Butterfly by Giaccomo Puccini, The Barber of Seville by Giacchino Rossini and Carmen by Georges Bizet. Ms. Guzmán has volunteers help with a "Picture- Title" (rather than subtitle) translation of an aria from Madame Butterfly. Accompanied by a pianist in the role of "The Maestro," she teaches the basics of the opera experience as well as highlighting the talented people involved in making a performance work Accompanist is Tim Bruneau, Conductor and Director of the Desert Chorale. The next day a magical musical concert by opera star Suzanna Guzman was presented to 400 fourth through sixth graders at Mountain Vista Elementary School, who were entranced with her presentation. Next year, as part of OperaArts ongoing community outreach programs, we will be bringing three busloads of elementary school students from the Coachella Valley School District to the Festival of Opera & Art on Sunday April 10, 2011. Complete 2010/2011 schedule |
