Syracuse Opera

February 5, 2016 - 7:04pm
This weekend marks sporano Danielle Pastin's eighth time performing the role of Mimi.

The love story of two bohemian lovers takes place against the backdrop of the romantic city of Paris and sets the stage for a beautiful, but heart-wrenching tale. Syracuse Opera’s production of "La Bohéme" opened on Feb. 5 at The Crouse Hinds Theater.

December 14, 2014 - 9:06pm
As patrons age and audience sensibilities change, Syracuse Opera takes strides to stay relevant in the digital age.

Opera is typically associated with traditional grandeur and the theatrical arts of yesteryear. An abundance of modern pop culture and entertainment media have clouded the eyes of this generation, leaving opera in the dark. Hidden in the heart of Syracuse lies Syracuse Opera, a theatrical gem in Upstate New York. The company strives to maintain relevance among the ever-changing stream of popularity by captivating audiences of all ages with fresh and engaging productions.

April 16, 2014 - 7:00pm
On the cusp of its 40th anniversary, the Syracuse Opera's concert performance of the classic American opera brings communal jubilation and joy.

Opera originating on American soil is a rare breed. With the theaters saturated with the tradition of show tunes, vaudeville and musical theater, the European high art of opera has struggled to gain a popular foothold with both artists and audiences. 

But between the beginning of the early 20th century and the end of World War II, the genre lines between popular stage entertainment (theater, vaudeville, musicals and opera) were never more ambiguous and interchangeable. 

April 23, 2012 - 3:45pm
Review: Soprano shines, but wardrobe issues detract from Syracuse Opera's performance.

In staging its final performance of the year, the Syracuse Opera brought Madama Butterfly to life yet again.

Certainly the Opera has enough experience with Butterfly to perform it more than adequately; Madama Butterfly is the Opera’s most-performed show in its history.

Still, the show was not without its faults.

February 13, 2012 - 3:36pm
Review: Dan Kempson and Caitlyn Lynch's vocals soar in the Syracuse Opera performance.
Even if you have not heard of Carmina Burana, you have almost certainly heard it, or at least some of its parts.
March 1, 2010 - 3:45pm
Syracuse Opera's multimedia concert of Wagner's "Flying Dutchman" featured excellent singing and a backdrop of studio videos which, at times, left much to be desired.

The Austrian-American composer Max Steiner once said that if Richard Wagner had lived in the 20th century, he would have written for film. Syracuse Opera’s multimedia concert of “The Flying Dutchman” would seem a natural extension of this idea. A montage of student videos were projected onto screens suspended above the orchestra.

February 24, 2010 - 10:44pm
Syracuse Opera calls on College of Visual and Performing Arts students to create abstract video backdrops for 'The Flying Dutchman.'

Richard Wagner is considered a god among titans by opera aficionados.

His operas are grand opuses, largely inspired by northern European mythology and legend. Because Wagner operas call for such elaborate sets, staging one is an ambitious endeavor for any company — even one the size of the Metropolitan Opera. Syracuse Opera — the only year-round professional opera company serving upstate New York — has been a successful institution since its first season in 1974, but staging a Wagner opera remains a challenge.

October 22, 2009 - 2:24pm
Syracuse Opera held a dress rehearsal last night of Puccini's "La Boheme" which demonstrated the clear, romantic vision of director Joseph Bascetta and a solid cast.

Puccini's most beloved characters came to life last night as Syracuse Opera unveiled a traditional, but vibrant, vision of 19th-century Paris.

 "The show is fresh, youthful, and realistic,"  said director Joseph Bascetta before the performance. "It is relevant to everyone because it gets down to the basics of life: love, relationships, separations, and death."

October 6, 2009 - 11:51am
The SU community can preview the upcoming production of "La Bohème."

If you like opera, don't miss the opportunity to hear Kate Mangiameli (Musetta) and Christopher Temporelli (Colline) sing excerpts from Puccini's most beloved opera in Crouse Hall at 12:30 P.M. this Thursday.

 

Syracuse Opera's General and Artistic Director Cathy Wolff explains that this will give voice students and other interested listeners the opportunity to see the singers up close and approach them afterward.

"The members of the cast are very young," she says. "It would be quite a different feel at the MET."