Press release from Asheville Lyric Opera:
The sounds of opera being rehearsed on a local stage were heard again this week as blocking rehearsals began June 25 for Asheville Lyric Opera’s upcoming Béatrice et Bénédict (an operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing”) at the Diana Wortham Theatre on July 6 (8 PM) and July 8 (3 PM). Tuesday night saw a dozen local chorus musicians join with professional singers and young artists from across the U.S. to rehearse at First Baptist Church of Asheville. “It’s the magical amalgam of all this great local talent with artists from outside the community that produce the unique product that ALO has to offer,” said stage director Jon Truitt, who’s been with ALO for eleven years. Some of the singers in the chorus have also been with the company for many seasons, while some of the younger singers are joining the opera for the very first time. “With an age range from teens to an octogenarian, we are seeing a breadth of experience that reflects the eclectic nature of our great community,” Truitt continued. The chorus and principal artists are joined on Sunday, July 1st by the instrumentalists in the orchestra, all of whom live in Asheville and the surrounding area. “It’s like a reunion of friends,” Truitt says, “I look forward to seeing this talented group of players at that first rehearsal for every production. There is a remarkable group of players in this community, one of the best I’ve worked with for a city this size.”
This production of such a rarely performed masterpiece takes full advantage of the Diana Wortham Theatre’s intimate space and beautiful acoustics. The dialogue is easily heard in the space, but the theatre is also large enough to let the grand French melodies really soar. In addition to the two performances at the Diana Wortham Theatre on July 6 (8 PM) and July 8 (3 PM), the 2018 Summer Young Artists are presenting a concert at First Baptist Church, Weaverville on Sunday, July 1st at 3 PM. This will include a preview of music from the opera as well as other favorites from the opera repertoire. Admission is free but donations will be accepted.
For tickets: visit www.dwtheatre.com
For information: visit www.ashevillelyric.org
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