{"id":44703,"date":"2021-11-05T15:01:32","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T20:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bemidjistate.edu\/news\/?p=44703"},"modified":"2022-03-01T14:20:29","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T20:20:29","slug":"bemidji-state-musicians-return-to-the-stage-with-radio-opera-with-live-audience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bemidjistate.edu\/news\/2021\/11\/05\/bemidji-state-musicians-return-to-the-stage-with-radio-opera-with-live-audience\/","title":{"rendered":"BSU Musicians Return to the Stage With Radio Opera Feat. Live Audience"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Dr.<\/a>
Renbarger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Every year, the Bemidji State University Department of Music works across disciplines to produce a full opera production for the Bemidji community. This academic year, two operas will grace the main stage in Bangsberg Hall under the direction of Dr. Cory Renbarger<\/b>, associate professor of music.<\/p>\n

“After a tough pandemic year, we are excited to offer on stage, live experiences again. We worked very hard and are proud of the cinematic experience offered last year, but are entering this year with a bang: two operas, both by Gian Carlo Menotti,” Renbarger said.<\/p>\n

The first production,”The Old Maid and the Thief,” is a one-act production that will be fully costumed and performed as a radio hour with piano orchestration. The second production, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” will be a fully staged and set production in February 2022.<\/p>\n

\"Old<\/a>
Emily Bergeron, Levi Capesius, Bria Halvorson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The Old Maid and the Thief” follows the lives of two older women in the 1930’s who wish they were socialites. When a beggar vagabond appears at their door seeking refuge, the ladies become smitten and offer him food and shelter. The plot thickens when there are reports of a local thief terrorizing the community and the characters are thrown into battles with morality. It is dark comedy gold, Renbarger says.<\/p>\n

The opera was initially written in Italian but was translated to English and premiered in April 1939 on NBC Radio in New York City. At Bemidji State, “The Old Maid and the Thief” will open at Bemidji State at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19. Tickets are $10 for the community while BSU and NTC students may attend for free. Masks are required.<\/p>\n

\"Bemidji<\/a>
(L-R) Emily Max, Bria Halvorson, Blake Staines, Levi Capesius, Emily Bergeron, Traci Schanke<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to bringing the community together to celebrate live music, Renbarger says the performance offers Bemidji State artists the opportunity to record one of the first-ever operatic radio experiences and provides a unique learning experience.<\/p>\n

“Music. Opera. Togetherness. Beauty. Art that matters. Clap, cheer, laugh, gasp!,” Renbarger said. “Everyone can come together to share in this joy.”<\/p>\n

Cast and Company in order of appearance<\/h3>\n