Cast members in the Lamont production of “The Marriage of Figaro” are traveling to Yakima, Wash., for a special performance this weekend sponsored by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra.
The opera had two people cast for each role, with each cast performing on different nights.
One member from each role was chosen by Lawrence Golan, the conductor of the Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and Kenneth Cox, the head of Lamont’s voice and opera departments, for the performance in Yakima.
The students were told about this opportunity in October, when casting for “The Marriage of Figaro” was first assigned. Golan, who is also the music director for the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, wanted to feature a fully staged opera for the orchestra’s season.
Yakima does not have an opera company. Because of this, Cox made the decision to bring in Lamont’s set and cast to perform with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and local chorus.
“This is the first time we’ve taken Lamont Opera Theater on the road,” said Cox, who has overseen the opera program since 2002. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our students and for Lamont.”
The students have been preparing “The Marriage of Figaro” since the beginning of winter quarter. They did not find out who would be chosen to go to Yakima until after spring break, when each cast performed their first full work-through.
The final cast of students going to Yakima are sophomores George Arvidson and Tim Sirinunthikul, senior William Andrew Bradley, graduate students Ana Spadoni, Benjamin Wood, Kelly Zick, Teresa Castillo and Tyson Repke and performance certificates Samantha Staggs and Jeanne Ireland.
Arvidson, a sophomore Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance, plays one of the lead roles of Count Almaviva, the main antagonist.
“This trip is a wonderful opportunity for the cast and myself. Personally, the opportunity to work with a professional orchestra under real world conditions is invaluable,” said Arvidson.
Zick, a second-year graduate student at Lamont, plays the role of Marcellina, an older woman trying to marry the main character Figaro. She also emphasized the importance and worth for those going to Yakima as they experience “real life” opera performance.
“It’s my first opportunity to perform an operatic role outside of an academic setting,” said Zick. “I’m not having to pay to participate. And it’s a really phenomenal opportunity for me, with a role I will hopefully play professionally.”
According to Arvidson, exposure to the lifestyle of a professional opera singer is a key element of the trip. Opera singers must travel frequently for performances, coachings and concerts, which can negatively impact a singer if he or she isn’t prepared.
“[It] can take a toll on one’s voice and emotional well-being. While this trip shouldn’t be too much of a stretch, it provides a chance to practice good vocal hygiene while traveling and being under pressure,” said Arvidson.
For many cast members, many details of the trip remain unclear. But Arvidson said that in itself teaches a lesson, emphasizing the value of being flexible and patient.
“Many people assume that singers, in general, are larger-than-life divas who demand attention,” said Arvidson. “In reality, we must be just as compliant and understanding as any professional in any field.”
Students will leave Denver tomorrow and perform in Yakima this upcoming Saturday.
The opera was performed in the Newman Center last week, beginning on Thursday and concluding Sunday.
