Rehearsal Photos!

I just couldn't resist bringing my camera to our first choreography rehearsal today! Here's some of the faces of APU Opera. Clicky HERE to get to my Flickr page!

More on opera camp and other thoughts

It's been a while since Saturday (thanks a lot homework!) but opera camp was fantastic! Two of the highlights: slapping people around and great Mexican food!

Okay, you might be saying "Er... what? Slapping? At APU? WHAT?" Chillax, guys! It was just stage combat training. It was loads of fun! And of course, we had some amazing Mexican food at Dr. Galloway's apartment. Mmm~~~

Now, it's back to the music. You'll get no complaints from me! Singing Mozart is a joy and a privilege. How could you get tired of his music? It's impossible! Every time I sing his music, I just want to melt into all those notes on the page and live there. Only if that were possible...

Alrighty! The staging portion of our production is coming up really soon so expect pictures and videos of us doin' our thang! :D

Ciao!

Opera Camp

The first half of Opera Camp 2010 ended a few hours and all I have to say is that it was AMAZING! We learned so much about each other, our company and what it means to function as a ensemble. There was so much given, taken and exchanged. We met new people, laughed with them and learned with them. We experienced vulnerability, fear and ultimately trust. All within a matter o hours.

We're a company. We're an ensemble. We're a family!

Welcome to the new 2010 APU Opera family, guys. I don't think anyone could have imagined a better group people!

NEWS FLASH!

Guess what guys?? APU Opera has a brand-spankin'-new ad in this month's issue of Classical Singer magazine! How cool is that! And it features our very own Kelsey Pentacost in her outrageous Poppea costume from last year's Getting a Handel on Handel programme! Check it out:

Opera Etiquette Part II: The Maestro

Yep, that guy in the penguin suit!

Next installment of opera etiquette!

Il Maestro

“Maestro” is the Italian word for “Master” or “Teacher” and is the term of endearment and respect for the music director and conductor of the opera. Yes, that guy in the front in a tuxedo, flailing his arms the entire show. Without him, there would be no show! The proper concert etiquette is to applaud him (or her, in which class it would be “Maestra”) at these designated times:

1) Before the overture when the Maestro takes his place in front of the orchestra
2) At the end of the overture
3) At the end of the act before intermission.
4) When the Maestro reassumes his place in front of the orchestra after intermission.
5) During the curtain call when the Maestro is brought on stage with the rest of the cast.

Basically, you applaud whenever you see him walk. It’s a good rule of thumb if you forget.

Conductors: Can't live without 'em! Hopefully this has cleared up a few things. Thanks for reading!