Welcome Opera Carolina Chorus Members

 

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May 1, 2008

 

Ladies & Gentlemen of the Opera Carolina Chorus:

 

Welcome to the 2008-09 Opera Carolina season. We have streamlined the process for you to volunteer to sing in main stage productions, and ask you to navigate through the various documents and calendars, completing the sign-up form and returning it to us via email no later than June 5^th.

 

Please understand that just because you advise us you are available to sing in a production does not necessarily mean we will be able to cast you in that production. Final rosters and contracts will be sent to you by mid-July.

 

The Opera Chorus continues to grow and mature as a performing ensemble. While we acknowledge that the Chorus is a dedicated group of volunteers, we also recognize that the public expects the Chorus to perform at the highest level possible. We have the talent to do so – matching that talent with desire and pride in performance is a sure-fire recipe for success.

 

I want to thank Emily Urbanek for being such an excellent member of the artistic staff. As Head of Music Preparation she has been a sure and steady presence. I also want to thank Greg Cable for his tireless work on the database, and for helping Chad Calvert and Michael Baumgarten improve the database and our communications with you.

 

A word about next season. Shortly after AIDA, it became clear that the scheduled production of MANON was going to be a budget buster – more from the anticipation of poor sales than on the expense side. As any prudent business would do, we altered the season accordingly. Perhaps MANON will make her way back into the repertoire in the future.

 

Please do not hesitate to email Michael or me with questions regarding the calendar, or other matters relating to Opera Carolina.

 

With thanks for being part of the Opera Carolina Chorus

James Meena

General Director & Principal Conductor

 

 

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Opera Carolina Chorus

 

Qualifications & Standards

 

Singing experience from private lessons, or participation in other singing organizations such as concert choirs, church organizations, and school choirs is important. A good ear for languages is helpful as the Opera Chorus performs in the original language, with most operas being sung in Italian, French or German.

 

Opera Chorus members are encouraged to continue to grow as singers, either through private instruction or other performance opportunities, including solos and stage performance with other community groups. More important than experience is one’s desire to learn and to develop the skills needed to be an excellent Opera Chorus member. The Opera Chorus is expected to perform at a high professional level. To ensure this level of performance, professional training and support is provided through the rehearsal process by the music staff.

 

Attendance

 

Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. Members must register absences in advance by using a ‘conflict’ form, or by phone or email to the production department. In the event a member is absent from more than two rehearsals, either music or staging, the Principal Conductor may elect one of the following courses of action: a) request the Member demonstrate his/her capability to perform the music in a private session; b) replace or remove the Member from the production.

 

Honoraria

 

Opera Carolina recognizes the time commitment required to be a successful member of the Opera Chorus. In recognition of the service of Opera Chorus members, the company provides an honorarium to each member for each production. Taxes are not deducted from honoraria. Honoraria are divided into categories, as follows:

 

 

A year is defined as a member having performed in two of the four main stage productions in a single season. Special consideration may be given members who sing a single production, at the discretion of the General Director.

 

Complimentary Tickets

 

Opera Carolina makes every effort to provide complimentary tickets in an appropriate and meaningful way as a statement of our appreciation for those who bring their talents to our stage. Tickets for Opera Carolina productions are at a premium, and Opera Chorus members are asked to access complimentary and discounted tickets with the realization that the company needs to have as many seats available for sale as is possible.

On stage with Denyce Graves in Margaret Garner

 

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2008-09 Opera Carolina Season

 

Beginning this season, Opera Carolina expands its performance sequence for most productions to four performances opening on Saturday evening.

 

FAUST

Charles Gounod 

        In French starring Maureen O’Flynn and James Valenti

        Belk Theater James Meena, conductor

        October 18, 23 & 26, 2008 Bernard Uzan, director

        (mixed chorus of 40 singers)

 

IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA

(The Barber of Seville) 

Gioacchino Rossini 

        In Italian starring Adriana Zabala and Victor Ryan Robertson

        January 24, 25, 29 & 31, 2009 Greg Fortner, director

        (men’s chorus of 16 singers)

 

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

(The Marriage of Figaro)

W. A. Mozart

        In Italian starring Ailyn Perez and Kristopher Irmiter

        Belk Theater James Meena, conductor

        March 7 & 8, 12 & 14, 2009 John Hoomes, director

        (mixed chorus of 24 singers)

 

TURANDOT

Giacomo Puccini

        In Italian starring Lori Philips & Roy Cornelius Smith

        Belk Theater James Meena, conductor

        April 16, 18 & 19, 2009 Brian Deedrick, director

        (mixed chorus of 60 singers)

 

Amahl & The Night Visitors will not be performed December 2008

 

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Chorus Rehearsal Calendar 2008-09