KORI BARKLEY
Staff Writer
Each year, the Western New York Chamber Orchestra brings to the community one operatic production. This year, on March 29 at 4 p.m. in King Concert Hall, WNYCO will collaborate with students in the School of Music and guest artists to present a semi-staged concert version of “Don Giovanni” for the fifth event of the 2014-2015 Classic Series.
Considered one of Mozart’s greatest operatic works, the story connects to the famous legend of Don Juan, telling the tale of a lustful and persuasive man who leaves a wake of heartbroken women behind him.
“WNYCO is a wonderful organization that contributes to the cultural enrichment with concerts and opera,” stage director Brent Weber said. “This is a great opportunity for the surrounding student body, faculty, administration and especially the greater Fredonia community to experience ‘Don Giovanni.’”
The mystery, passion and stunning beauty of the opera will come to life through a combination of marvelous vocal and orchestral music, highlighting the arias, duets and trios that are tied together with minimal recitatives.
For the event, Fredonia will host special guest artist Gregory Sheppard, artistic director of the Opera Ebony in New York City and voice professor at John Jay College, singing the role of Commendatore.
Alongside Sheppard, the production will feature alumna Stephanie Doche, ’14, as Donna Elvira; junior Michael Hawk as Don Giovanni; senior Danielle Beckvermit as Donna Anna; senior Steven Olick as Don Ottavio; senior Jared Allyn Decker as Leporello; junior Allison Snavely as Zerlina; and senior Dan Magee as Masetto, in addition to a 12-student chorus.
Hawk had the honor of working with Sheppard at the Nickel City Opera for the production of Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and had nothing but good things to say about him.
“Sheppard sang the role of King Balthasar in the production, and I have to say that the Fredonia audience will be in for a real treat hearing [Sheppard’s] warm, vibrant and professionally-polished bass voice in the production of Don Giovanni.”
“The [singers] have been amazing to work with,” Weber said. “They are so well prepared and have come the the rehearsal process with wonderful ideas to incorporate into their characters.”
Snavely feels grateful to be part of such a hardworking cast.
“Each member brings so much energy to the show, and the level of talent that surrounds me is overwhelming. I think it’s important for people to come see the show … the audience will experience a captivating production of a brilliant masterpiece that includes drama, mystery and comedy all in one.”
As the opera is sung in Italian, super-title translations of the words by Mozart’s companion, librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, will be displayed.
The production can be accredited to Glen Cortese, music director; Fredonia voice professor Brent Weber, stage director; Fredonia Opera Program director and WNYCO executive director Julie Newell, producer; graduate student Matthew Marco, assistant director and vocal coach; and senior technical production and design major Allen Wheaton, technical director.
Admission is free for all Fredonia students with student ID. Tickets for the general public are $22, or $5 for children, and are available by calling the Fredonia Ticket Office at 716-673-3501.
As an additional activity of interest, Gregory Sheppard will be hosting a WNYCO Coffee House event on Saturday, Mar. 28, at 4:30 p.m in room 3140 of Mason Hall. During this time, Sheppard will talk about his endeavors as a working classical musician and will answer any associated questions.