What dreams have you or are you daring to dream?
What fears have you or are you facing?
The ten opera scenes are a range of both dreams and nightmares. From the daydreaming Hansel and Gretel and Cosi fan tutte, to the nightmarish witches of Macbeth; and from the dreamy-eyed lovers in Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merry Widow, and The Gondoliers, to the frightful lechery of Don Giovanni and Le comte Ory. From those who are full of life, ambly pursuing their dreams in La fille du régiment to those who face loss of love and life in Ariadne auf Naxos. I too am facing fears, as this is my first foray into opera! I am also daring to dream, as I continue to fulfill my dreams of working in the entertainment industry. Next fall, I’ll be providing dramaturgy for the full operetta, The Merry Widow, a swan song celebrating 50 years in the deJong and the last full opera before the new BYU Music Building is ready; as well as my last year as a dramaturgy student at BYU!
The opera scenes are not randomly chosen, they were matched to the vocal ranges and technical talents of the senior class. If you have the luxury of viewing the lobby display, you’ll see that the opera performers have not only dared to face their fears and write them out, but also write out the dreams they are in the process of daring to dream! Your attendance at the opera doesn’t just support a nice evening out for yourself and peers, it also supports the students who are this year’s Senior Vocalists and next year’s graduate level students seeking grad schools and other career moves. Without you the patron, it would be nearly impossible to provide these budding stars with the foundational professional instructors, academic institutional programs and building, and the opportunities obtained in performing here and around the world. As you read through the cast’s bios you’ll be able to view the next fearful steps they’ll face and the dreams they’re daring to dream!
