Celebrating "Men Behaving Badly" at OperaDelaware

(L-R): Grant Youngblood, Jeffrey Miller, Ben Wager,
Martin Hargrove, Alok Kumar. Photo courtesy of OperaDelaware.

The hubby and I spent Friday night out with a bunch of truly bad men...and loved every moment!

We attended OperaDelaware's quasi-new programming (it's a few seasons in, although some may not realize) Inside the Opera Studio. The program brings audiences up close and personal to well-known and (perhaps) lesser known — but equally captivating — works from productions both international and U.S. born, under a collective theme. This time, it was "Devils, Drunks and Dastardly Dudes."

OperaDelaware's second-floor rehearsal hall was set with large candlelit tables and rear platform seating facing a small stage under chandeliers, giving the entire night a personal, intimate feel.

Our four featured dastardly dudes were OperaDelaware stars Alok Kumar, Ben Wager, Martin Hargrove and Grant Youngblood in a showcase OperaDelaware General Director Brendan Cooke described as "...men behaving badly."

OperaDelaware Music Director Jeffrey Miller, who was accompanist and creator of the program, also served us well as the entertaining "Master of Ceremonies," introducing each piece with brevity and humor, providing background about the opera and its characters. I enjoyed his discussion, as it helped to set the mood of the performances and give us interesting notes about each piece.

The evening began with tenor Kumar in a selection from Verdi's Rigoletto, in which Miller noted, "The Duke is probably a drunk...but definitely a dastardly dude." I know little about opera, but will say that Kumar's voice was incredible and delivered the perfect power-packed start to the evening.

I will also note that bass Ben Wager has his 'devils' down pat — in works from Faust and Mefistofele, his voice not only conveys the proper dose of darkness, but his spot-on laugh and expression are so entertainingly chilling. "Ben seems to specialize in devils..." laughed Miller after one of Wager's performances. 

Wager and Hargrove also performed the provocative Ella giammai m'amo from Act 3, Scene 1 of Verdi's Don Carlo — what Miller called, "...no exaggeration; the greatest confrontation scene in opera."

Rigoletto gave me another favorite piece, this time from Youngblood and Hargrove — as Rigoletto and Sparafucile, respectively — in the duet Pari siamo!

Artfans who may not know much about opera or who think they may not like opera — these programs are right up your alley. They're the perfect informal (and enjoyably educational) introduction to many different styles, composers and stories.

Bravi, OperaDelaware! Next up for Inside the Opera Studio is the Ladies' Night program running March 3 through 5. Tickets available but seating is limited. 

See www.operade.org. 

A New Space for Creativity in North Wilmington

Jester Park Farmhouse, which will soon become Jester Artspace.

This article is re-posted from an original report by Delaware Public Media, published January 18, 2017...

A group of local artists is stepping up, with support from the New Castle County administration, to create a new space for teaching, creating and enjoying art in North Wilmington.

Local artists and arts advocates Alan Baseden, Susan Benarcik, Kirsten Olson — collectively known as Jester Artspace — have signed a 20-year lease to transform the historic Jester Park Farmhouse into a collaborative artspace.

It's a thrilling new development that will bring workshops, a creative space and public art events to all arts lovers in and around North Wilmington. I, for one, cannot wait to experience it myself!

For the full story, CLICK HERE>>>

Market Street Music Creates a Resource for the Choral Community

Market Street Music's Mastersingers of Wilmington.

With support from the Laffey-McHugh Foundation, Market Street Music is launching a new service to benefit its northern Delaware community and church choirs.

Area choirs will have free access to the almost 1,000 titles in MSM’s choral music library. Titles include sacred anthems, secular choral music and large works (sacred and secular) with orchestra parts, including expensive and hard-to-find items — from unison music to multi-part scores.

Interested groups can email MSM Music Director David Schelat to arrange for borrowing. All scores will be available in the office of First & Central Church.

Lost or severely damaged copies will be charged as: $3.00/octavo copy; $15.00/large work copy. This fine is payable within 30 days. Late return fine is $.25/day.

Check out the Music Lending list for complete details and send an email about what you want to borrow!

P.S. Mastersingers of Wilmington is holding auditions for new community-based amateur singers to join this outstanding ensemble. Information about these auditions may be found at http://marketstreetmusicde.org/choirs/. The audition consists of prepared music (found at our website), vocalizing and sight singing. Audition dates are on the website as well.