UTOT - Spring Opera - Die Zauberflote

Thanks to all of you who auditioned for UTOT’s spring production of Die Zauberflote.  

James Marvel and I were especially pleased with the quality of all of the auditions, and appreciate not only the interest but also enthusiasm for this production.  It is a very exciting year for us.

We decided rather late in the Spring to select Magic Flute as the spring opera.  Our first choice was to pursue options in French as UTOT has never produced anything in that language.  For a number of reasons, it seemed that this year was not going to afford us the facilities or resources to mount the productions we were targeting, so I somewhat reluctantly turned to the possibility of programming our 3rd Mozart opera in 3 years.  That fact is the ONLY reason I would ever hesitate to program Mozart (one of my greatest musical loves!).  I mention all of this only to illuminate the thrill that James and I encountered, when we sat down to discuss casting (which usually involves several rounds of name calling, pencil breaking and chair kicking), to discover that this score, in this year, affords opportunities for everyone who auditioned for us.   That is a rare luxury indeed!

Please note that Barenreiter is the required edition for this production.  Although it is not the least expensive, Barenreiter is the edition standard and more than worth the investment.  More specifically, all notes during the coaching and rehearsal process will reference the Barenreiter score.

You are, of course, welcome to seek the best deals and acquire your scores through any avenue you choose.  The following link to Sheet Music Plus is added for your convenience only.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/the-magic-flute-k-620-sheet-music/2434958?aff_id453775

MEDEA

Things are off to an exciting start with Medea.

In addition to featuring many of our new and returning graduate students, this production has provided an opportunity to cast a number of our undergraduate singers in prominent roles.  Following some quick auditions last week, we have a wonderful and enthusiastic cast in place.

To get things started musically, Eileen Downey (UT Staff Coach/Accompanist) and I played through Act One in its entirety with two pianos.  This was a great way to let people hear how the vocal parts and orchestra fit together, and also gave us all a chance to hear how the act flows from beginning to end.  

This evening, we had a wonderful presentation by John Sipes, Stage Director, and the design team.  The set and costumes look magnificent!  Following John's introduction and explanation of the myth, the cast did a table read of the libretto, which (after working through the work musically yesterday) provided a wonderful opportunity to begin viewing the musical intentions with greater clarity.

John Sipes, Stage Director, with the cast of Medea

Fall 2014

World-premiere

Welcome back to the UTOT Music Director's Handbook

These pages have been neglected for the past couple seasons as the usual currents of running productions often leaves little time for even the most well-intended efforts.  

However, this Fall's special production is sure to be an exceptionally thrilling venture and merits both documenting through notes and reflections, but also warrants using this medium as a place to post information that any and all who are interested (and involved) my find valuable.

UTOT is in the spotlight this Fall as we will give the world-premiere of Larry Delinger's opera MEDEA (with libretto by Douglas Langworthy).  We came to know this work a couple years ago when John Sipes, of the Clarence Brown Theatre, approached UTOT about hosting Larry to do a week-long workshop of this score.  The work excited us immensely, and Larry proved to be an absolute thrill to work with.  Since then, we've kept the work simmering while we searched for the right time and opportunity to bring it forth.  The time has come!

In order to spread the word, and excitement, about this work, the University of Tennessee School of Music will be promoting "Delingerfest" - with several performances of Larry's music planned both on and off campus.  Larry will be with us for much of the semester, working on three operas, instrumental and vocal music, leading masterclasses and discussion with students and the general public alike.

The performances of Medea will take place at the Relix Variety Theatre, in Knoxville on November 7, 8 and 9, 2014.