At the opening of this season, Opera Circle celebrated Karol Szymanowski's 125th Birthday with a special program, a collage of his music & ballet. The program included
Twelve Songs from Kurpie op. 58
with Verlezza Dance & Ray Vargas Dancers
Seven Songs to the Poems by James Joyce op. 54
This was one of Opera Circle's signature productions, a "tapestry" of sound & movement, voice & gesture, meaning & expression. It is what it says: a poetics of music, exploring deeper forms of human experience, giving them aesthetic shape & universal significance.
with:
This opera classic was presented as a full-scale production, complete with soloists, 55-piece orchestra, costumes, chorus, staging, sets, & supertitles! Featuring:
Rigoletto marked the second opera collaboration with the Cleveland Women's Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Robert Cronquist, after La traviata in 2006. This traditional take on Verdi masterpieces charmed with their simple beauty at the Bohemian National Hall, a miniature opera house from Prague. Sold out. Join us for another traditionally presented opera next season. Why not?
The Marriage of Figaro belongs to the best-known and most performed titles. Yet Opera Circle decided on a new take on the story. While giving all due respect to the music, with beautiful voices and excellent Opera Circle Orchestra under the baton of Andrzej Knap, a conductor of considerable European career, Opera Circle decided to offer an emotional leap into the present time. For one thing, Cherubino was a tenor. Second, Susanna sends confusing signals to her admirers. And more... Presented in a hilarious mix of period and contemporary staging and costuming, Opera Circle's production addressed a modern sensibility without losing the beauty of Mozart's masterpiece. That rarely explored combination ended up half-way between opera and cabaret, all in an intimate setting that allowed for direct contact with the audience.
Featuring:
Music beautiful beyond measure...
with Cleveland Women's Orchestra & The West Shore Chorale
An evening of great music!
Featuring the talents of