Stanislaus State’s Music Department hosted an Opera Scenes performance on April 21 showcasing various scenes from German and English operas to contemporary musical numbers.
There was a little something for everyone in the audience that night. With the mixture of traditional costumes and concert attire, the performers provided a fun night for those in attendance.
One community member who attended, Liana Rodriguez, was excited to know one of the performers personally.
“One of the performers is my patient, she invited me,” she explained.
For each performance, a title and information card was projected to provide context, followed by an image backdrop appropriate to the scene of the particular song performed.
In the first half of the night, the program centered around German and English opera scenes including a lively, comical duet from L’ Elisor d’Amor (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti. Later on, the scenes showcased familiar musicals such as “When You’re Good to Mama” from Chicago and multiple scenes from The Secret Garden, while “America” from West Side Story ended the night on a vibrant note.
When reflecting on his favorite scene, Dr. Joseph Wiggett, professor of music, expressed that all of them were his favorite.
“None of the scenes were easy and they were incredibly well prepared, professional, and I could not be more proud of their work,” Wiggett said.
Despite the mask and social distancing mandates, the performers gave a fantastic performance, making sure that they were clear and the elements of body language were not lost. It was clear to see the emotion behind each performance.
In light of the recent crisis in Ukraine, two songs from The Consul by Gian Carlo Menotti – “Lullaby” and “Now, O Lips, Say Goodbye” – were dedicated to the people of Ukraine. Bathed in blue and red stage lights, the performers gave an emotional performance as the two songs reflected the hopes and feelings of fatality in the environment of war.
Judging by positive feedback from the audience for the performance by community members, family, friends and students, the Spring Semester of Opera Scenes proved to be a great evening outing.
Wiggett added that he is hopeful for a full production in the future after the department took a hit in enrollment due to COVID-19. As more mandates continue to ease up, he hopes that enrollment increases, which will push for larger production of Opera Scenes.
Upcoming performances from the Music Department include the Spring Orchestra Concert on May 3. Future performances can be found listed on the Music Department’s website.
