A few months ago, while most of the community quietly dealt with winter and took a little down time, the hearts of scores of vocalists and musicians around the country and across both oceans were beating with excited anticipation: Will I be accepted? Did I choose the right music? Is my audition video good enough? Will I sing a lead role? Will I be in the orchestra?
By the time the strongest of the seedlings we coaxed to life on our chilly windowsills had been transferred to our gardens after first frost, judging of the competitive auditions had taken place and only 36 of those 201 hopeful vocal artists, plus 25 musicians, had been invited to arrive at Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony to prepare for the 71st season of Opera in the Ozarks (OIO).
While we were enduring rain and looking toward summer, most of us had no idea that by May 25, the Inspiration Point campus had come alive with music, conversation and purpose as students joined directors, designers, conductors, technical and music staff, costumers and more to plunge into an intensive eight-week training program offering total immersion into the process of preparing and performing opera.
Since then, the campus has been abuzz with nonstop activity from dawn until night. But most of us won’t realize what’s really been happening at Inspiration Point for the last month unless we’re there when the curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24; or for any performance until July 22.
That’s when we’ll see the results of the hard work done by serious artists on their way to a great career. This is not a program for sissies or musical wanna-bes. The rigorous schedule includes three daily rehearsal periods of three hours each in morning, afternoon and evening. Add to that private vocal instruction, coaching, chorus and other rehearsals, costume fittings and more – not counting actual performances. Because the operas are double cast, 36 opera students will be singing a total of 84 roles among them.
Resident voice instructors offer weekly lessons and classes and attend final rehearsals to offer insights to assure artists’ best performances. Morning movement/stage skills class is a warm-up that sets the tone for long, productive days as OIO artists benefit from learning acting, movement, stage combat and even career development from resident, guest and OIO alumni. There’s even daily yoga, popular with singers, staff and orchestra members.
All artists also participate in supervised assigned work including set construction, costumes, props, wigs/makeup, etc. Each day all participate in Production Hour, an all-hands-on-deck effort for an hour before the afternoon rehearsal.
Artists are trained, conducted, coached and encouraged by a supportive, professional staff who provide them with everything necessary to present opera in full productions – scenery, lights, costumes, wigs – and accompaniment by an orchestra!
Since 1950, artists have been benefitting from the added experience gained from OIO’s training and performance program. Many alumni now sing in the major opera houses of the world; others teach at colleges and universities. Meanwhile OIO’s program continues to earn respect among serious artists and those seeking them.
This year, one traveled from Wales when she learned the program included Così fan tutte. She applied and auditioned for the OIO program in order to hone her skills in language and diction before auditioning for a part in Cosi in Italy. Another Cosi lead will be making his way to sing in Germany after the OIO program.
Opera in the Ozarks is one of those ongoing institutions that enhances careers and puts Eureka Springs on more people’s maps year after year. Even those who don’t love opera can appreciate the show and the talent. Or, one can start with a musical, Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. In any case Opera in the Ozarks is worthy of support. Come for the color, excitement and talent and find out what all the buzz is about.
The 2022 schedule includes three double-cast, fully staged productions.
The Operas
La rondine (The Swallow) is an opera in three acts by Puccini telling the story of Magda de Civry, a courtesan who has always dreamed of romance. The opera contains the famous aria “Chi il bel sogno di Doretta” (Doretta’s beautiful dream) which is a favorite recital including a performance aria.
A Little Night Music is a Stephen Sondheim musical. Set in 1900 Sweden, the plot explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress Desirée Armfeldt and the men who love her. The musical includes the popular song “Send in the Clowns.”
Così fan tutte (All Women Do It) literally means “So do they all.” This two-act opera buffa by Mozart takes place in the Bay of Naples in the 18th century. Deeply convinced of women’s infidelity, the cynical Don Alfonso proposes that his two young friends tell their fiancées they are leaving for war, and then return dressed as Albanian soldiers, ready to do anything to seduce the lonely fiancées. This turns into a wacky farce
Pinocchio, the Studio Artist outreach opera, is a unique and whimsical adaption of the classic fairy tale about a wooden boy trying to learn what it means to be real. See opera.org for locations and times in venues in Northwest Arkansas.
The Extras
Broadway Cabaret July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Sequoyah Center, Millar Lodge, Fayetteville
Chamber Music July 18, 7:30 p.m.
The Opera in the Ozarks orchestra is talented musicians who do much more than play for opera. Every year, they put together an exquisite program of chamber music with a variety of ensembles across a wide spectrum of styles.
Broadway Cabaret and Buffet Dinner July 19 6 p.m.
The historic 1886 Crescent Hotel is the setting for a delightful evening of fabulous singing! Opera singers love to sing Broadway and popular songs. All 2022 singers will participate.
Tickets/performance schedule: opera.org. GPS location: Inspiration Point Fine Arts 16311 US-62. General info: info@opera.org or (479) 253-8595. Complete schedule and ticket info at opera.org.