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Amy Krane 781-265-3621 amyk@enigma.com |
Cheryl Moreau 781-641-2073 camoct@yahoo.com |
– Volunteer cast of children and adults to debut original light opera by Cambridge native David Bass –
Cambridge, MA, February 5, 2001 – The North Cambridge Family Opera Company announced that it will stage the premier production of “The Coronation of Esther” at the Tobin School at 197 Vassal Lane, Cambridge. Performances are Saturdays, March 10, 17, and 24 at 7:00 p.m., and Sundays, March 11, 18, and 25 at 3:00 p.m.
“The Coronation of Esther” was written and directed by Cambridge resident David Bass. The light opera features an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, and popular musical styles. Bass's musical wit and tongue-in-cheek lyrics will appeal to children and adults alike.
The one hour, 2-act opera is based on the first part of the Biblical story of Esther. Set in ancient Persia, the plot weaves multiple themes of political ambition, courtly excesses, and the triumph of Esther's personal integrity and pride in her heritage. Soloists and chorus members are residents of Arlington, Cambridge, Somerville, and other local communities. All cast and crew are volunteers, as is Bass, who studied music at Yale before taking up a career in chemical engineering.
Last year's North Cambridge Family Opera production of Bass's “Space Opera” – featuring the hilarious adventures of everyone's favorite robots, aliens, and heroes – drew standing ovations from enthusiastic audiences.
“We have found the experience of singing opera to be a unique way to strengthen families and build friendships across the community,” says Bass. The philosophy of the North Cambridge Family Opera Company is to welcome all who want to sing and perform. This year, about 50 chorus members and soloists, some of whom are as young as 7 years old, have convened to perform in “The Coronation of Esther”. Family members who are not singing assist with costume design, set production, and other aspects of the production. Choreography is by Deborah Mason of the Deborah Mason School of Dance in Cambridge.
The North Cambridge Family Opera, which has applied for non-profit status, is available to perform at schools and non-profit children's organizations.
For more information visit http://www.familyopera.com
Join local composer and director David Bass and 50 children and adults in the premier performance of “The Coronation of Esther”. Performances are at the Tobin School, 197 Vassal Lane in Cambridge, on Saturdays, March 10, 17, and 24 at 7:00 p.m., and Sundays, March 11, 18, and 25 at 3:00 p.m. The original light opera features an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, and popular musical styles. Bass';s musical wit and tongue-in-cheek lyrics will appeal to children and adults alike. Tickets are $5/children, $10/adults, $25 families (up to 4), and $5/each for groups of 15 or more.
For information and reservations visit http://www.familyopera.com or call (781) 641-2073 or (617) 864-8640