Click here to watch the complete opera Judith Fein: When composer/conductor Henry Mollicone asked me to write the libretto for Hotel Eden, he said it had to be based on the Bible. I had one immediate thought: it has to be from the point of view of the women. No, that isn’t entirely true. IContinue reading “From the Creators: Henry Mollicone + Judith Fein on Hotel Eden”
Category Archives: Opera
Behind the Scenes: Buoso’s Ghost Rehearsal
Guest post by Michael Ching I think every opera needs a piece early on that convinces the audience to stay engaged for the rest of it. Musical theatre has a strong tradition of an engaging opening number. It’s a little more flexible in opera, but I think even classical works have that piece, whether it’sContinue reading “Behind the Scenes: Buoso’s Ghost Rehearsal”
Michael Ching on Conducting Buoso’s Ghost at OperaDelaware
Post by Michael Ching Next month OperaDelaware and Baltimore Concert Opera are producing of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and my 1996 sequel, Buoso’s Ghost. Our works are like children—it’s best when they grow up and leave the house. (Unfortunately, some stick around on the shelf and don’t pay their fair share of the rent) I’ve beenContinue reading “Michael Ching on Conducting Buoso’s Ghost at OperaDelaware”
Composing Opera is an Addiction: Interview with Tom Cipullo
Tom Cipullo joined the E. C. Schirmer catalog in 2017. As one of America’s most performed contemporary opera composers, we wanted to find out more about what makes him tick and the journey he’s on. How did you first become involved with music, and what drew you to composition? I was lucky enough to beContinue reading “Composing Opera is an Addiction: Interview with Tom Cipullo”
Behind the Scenes of Glory Denied
Ever wanted to know what goes into an opera, start to finish? PBS did this fantastic video special on the Tri-Cities Opera’s production of Glory Denied (music by Tom Cipullo, based on the book by Tom Philpott). Watch the full video here. Our favorite line in the video? “Music is the greatest tool to letContinue reading “Behind the Scenes of Glory Denied”
Tips for Opera Composers to Get Produced
Guest post by Michael Ching In the first week of January, the National Opera Association gathered in New Orleans for its annual conference. An association of mainly college and university operas, the NOA is an important market for new operas. The three day gathering featured a performance at Loyola Opera Theatre of composer Tom CipulloContinue reading “Tips for Opera Composers to Get Produced”
After Life | New Orleans Production
In January 2018, Loyola University New Orleans gave an excellent production of composer Tom Cipullo’s and librettist David Mason’s opera, After Life. The piece won the Dominick Argento Chamber Opera Competition, granted by the National Opera Association (NOA) and was attended by the public as well as members of NOA. About the Competition From NOA:Continue reading “After Life | New Orleans Production”
ICYMI: 10 Things Every Opera Composer Should Know
The National Opera Association hosted their annual conference in New Orleans last week. Composers Michael Ching and Tom Cipullo collaborated to give a great session on getting new opera produced, complete with Ching singing a selection from his hit opera, Speed Dating Tonight. Both Cipullo and Ching have experienced great success in getting their operasContinue reading “ICYMI: 10 Things Every Opera Composer Should Know”
The Wise Women: Conrad Susa’s Christmas Opera @ Stanford
Stanford University presented two performances of Conrad Susa’s one-act Chamber opera for Christmas, The Wise Women, in December this year. Susa is known for his operas, particularly perennial favorites like Transformations and The Dangerous Liaisons. With this work, he offers a new perspective on the nativity and its mysteries. The audience gets a taste ofContinue reading “The Wise Women: Conrad Susa’s Christmas Opera @ Stanford”
University of Oklahoma presents children’s opera “Starbird” by Henry Mollicone
The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music Opera presents the Henry Mollicone’s children’s opera Starbird on November 15-17 at the UCO Jazz Lab. Starbird, featuring libretto by Kate Pogue, premiered in 1981 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Set in New York City, Starbird follows a dog, a cat and a donkey asContinue reading “University of Oklahoma presents children’s opera “Starbird” by Henry Mollicone”
In Tune blog 