Opera Workshop to Be Presented on Thursday, Feb. 24

HOLLAND - Several Hope College students will participate in an opera workshop on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. in Wichers Auditorium of Nykerk Hall of Music.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

The program will include both classical and contemporary pieces, and includes pianists Jane Bosko, staff accompanist; Elizabeth Claar, staff accompanist; and Christopher Turbessi, a freshman from Nunica. The first piece will be Act I, scene 1 of Gioachino Rossini's "La cenerentol." The full-length Italian opera tells the story of Cinderella. It will feature sophomore Kaleena Chilcote of Midland as Clorinda; freshman Trevah DiSalvio of Homer as Tisbe; freshman Kay Gillette of Grand Ledge as Cenerentola; and sophomore Michael Braaksma of Maywood, Ill., as Alidoro.

The second piece will be Act I, scene 14 of Kurt Weill's "Street Scene." The opera was originally written for Broadway with lyrics by Langston Hughes. It will feature freshman Stephen McEwan of Midland as Sam and sophomore Alicia Pashby of Midland as Rose.

The third piece will be the opening scene from Giacomo Puccini's "Suor Angelica." This one act opera tells the story of a nun's suicide. It will feature sophomore Libby Skaff of Flint as Monitor; sophomore Julia Hollenberg of Elkhart, Ind., as Sister Genevieve; freshman Rebecca Zwar of St. Joseph as Sister Dolcina; freshman Meghan Moore of South Bend, Ind., as Sister Angelica; and senior Rachel Trautwein of Wheaton, Ill., as Mistress of Novices.

The final piece will be Robert Ward's "Roman Fever: Mothers' duet, Daughters' 'Age of Flight' duet." The one-act opera is based on a short story by Edith Wharton. It will feature junior Sarah Blankenship of Hoffman Estates, Ill., as Grace Ansley; sophomore Chelsea Kramer of Traverse City as Alida Slade; junior Kendra Stock of St. Charles, Ill., as Barabara Ansley; and freshman Rachel Wells of West Bend, Wis., as Jenny Slade.

The opera workshop is directed by Margaret Kennedy-Dygas, professor of music.

Nykerk Hall of Music is located on the former 12th Street between College and Columbia avenues.

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