At the request of Mannes School of Music, this article has been updated to reflect the important role of William Gustafson, Mannes Dean of Academic Affairs, and stage director of the show. It has also corrected the name of the opera’s composer, which was stated as Christian, not Christoph, as well as changed a sentence to give proper credit to the orchestra accompaniment. In addition, a pervious version of this article stated that the Mannes Sounds Festival was a part of Mannes Opera, and that this was their first time co-producing a performance, both of which were not correct.
The audience was silent as Perri di Christina sang a haunting melody. The mezzo soprano voice carried a trill of Italian words through St. Jean Baptiste Church, floating above the Camerata New York Orchestra and around every pew member. Every eye was center stage to watch Christoph Willibald Gluck’s opera, Orfeo ed Euridice (Orpheus and Eurydice) this Thursday, Oct. 17th and Saturday, Oct. 19th, presented by Mannes Sounds Festival and Camerata New York.
The show is an operatic retelling of the Greek myth of these two figures: in which Orpheus (portrayed by de Christina), upon learning of Eurydice’s death (portrayed by Michaela Estrin), mourns for her, and prays to get her back. In answer to his prayers, Amore (portrayed by Yoonjeong Yoo) grants his wish, saying he can go to the Underworld and get Eurydice back, on the condition that he does not look at her until they are back on Earth. He agrees to the terms, and the journey ensues.
This opera marked an important weekend for the Mannes Sounds Festival by celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival. The Camerata New York Orchestra accompanied both performances, conducted by Maestro Richard Owen. Camerata’s mission is to “provide these talented emerging artists with regular professional performance opportunities on the highest level.” The orchestra includes students from Julliard, Eastman, and the Manhattan School of Music.
Of the collaboration, Artistic Director Pavlina Dokovska said “The Stage Director, William Gustafson, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Mannes, created a most imaginative, beautiful and poetic production. Owen provided excellent leadership which enabled the cast and the orchestra to deliver a highly artistic, moving and exciting performance. The church was filled to capacity both nights and the audience was most enthusiastic. The Mannes Opera with Artistic Director Emma Griffin and the entire production team proved again and again, that it is one of the leading opera programs in the country.”
The Mannes Sounds Festival is put on every year. They have as many as 20 performances throughout the year, showcasing student’s talents in historic and prestigious venues all around New York City.
Below are a selection of photos from the evening.
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