When not rehearsing Armide, OA’s upcoming production of Weber’s Der Freischütz (The Marksman) absorbs every waking moment for our entire creative team. This thrilling, strange, and intensely compelling piece of Romantic theatre continues to draw us in directions we would never have dreamed. We find ourselves immersed in Early Romantic Ballet, melodrama, and the painting of Caspar Friedrich and that strange genius of the macabre Heinrich Füssli. Martha Mann’s gorgeous costume designs are already being realized as I write this, and Gerard Gauci’s dream-like set designs continue to go through endless revisions as he moves closer and … Read more
Nothing could give Jeannette or me greater pleasure than announcing that Patricia Barretto (formerly OA’s Director of Marketing) has been appointed Executive Director of Opera Atelier. This, by the way, is OA’s new title for what had been called General Manager.
Patricia has spent the past ten months filling this post in an interim capacity and has proven her abilities beyond our wildest hopes. While overseeing three major international tours, she has also managed to create a truly unique atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support amongst the entire administrative staff. Her rapport with our artists is exceptional, and all of … Read more
Well, the cast and crew of Armide have arrived at the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, NY! It’s such a thrill for all of us to be able to come back to this gorgeous production after having enjoyed such an enormous success at the Royal Opera House in Versailles. Could there possibly be a bigger contrast? We are moving from the most glorious palace in Europe to a beautiful open field in up-state New York –a field which for decades has been the site of the most prestigious opera festival in North America.
This will be the first French Baroque opera … Read more
