NATS Cascade Chapter

PROMISE, an Opera

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:57:32 +0000

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to let you know about a groundbreaking work in opera, theatre and art: Promise; libretto and music by Theresa Koon, directed by Kevin Yell and conducted by David Hattner. I hope you and your group will join us for one of just four shows on April 13th and 14th at the Ainsworth House and Gardens in Oregon City, and April 20th and 22nd at Scottish Rite Center Theater, Portland.

Camille Claudel was a risk-taking artist in France who studied with the famous Rodin in Paris during the late 1800s. This operatic drama hybrid travels through her life as a sculptor, lover, sister, daughter and the artist she became. Although best known for her progressive, sensual and autobiographic works, Claudel haunts history for destroying many of her own sculptures. Theresa Koon’s passionate portrait paints Claudel’s tumultuous struggle with her family, her affair with Rodin and her burning inner conflict about whether or not to allow her creativity out in the world. All these elements influenced her eventual unraveling into the renowned icon that she is remembered as today.

There are two other notable historical figures in the play: Camille’s brother, Paul Claudel, and her mentor and lover Auguste Rodin.  Paul Claudel was a playwright, poet and diplomat who is as familiar to students of French Literature as Mark Twain is to American Literature.  Rodin was a sculptor whose works like The Thinker are easily recognizable and, when viewed in contrast to Camille’s, the connection is fascinating and undeniable.  Camille’s position as Rodin’s Muse raises important questions in the fields of Art History, Psychology and Women’s Studies.  Overall, Promise offers vast opportunities for study in many academic disciplines including all of those mentioned above, as well as Music, Theater, Dance and Movement Studies.

In writing Promise, librettist and composer Theresa Koon says:  “I wanted to understand what moved Camille to destroy her art and withdraw it from the world. What did that say about her and about the society in which she lived?”

Promise would be an excellent opportunity for students, of many disciplines, for immersive learning about the culture of art-making at the turn of the 19^th century, a time that was really not so long ago.  Whether you choose to integrate the work into your curriculum with extra credit or research studies, or just encourage your students to attend – it would be time well spent.

We hope you’ll join us for Promise.

Warmly, Elisabeth Goebel, Outreach Coordinator
503-927-4325 | goebel86@msn.com | www.promisetheopera.wordpress.com

Libretto and Music by:Theresa Koon

Directed by: Kevin Yell

Conducted by: David Hattner

Featured Artists: Eleanor Stallcop-Horrox, Jon Kolbet, Doug Webster, Stephen Guntli, Carrie Rambo, Erika Little, Shannon Jones, Katie Krueger, Catherine Olson

Musicians: Erica Melton, Greg Ewer, Justin Kagan, Jerry Siemas

Additional Music by: Christy Slovacek

Dramaturgical Editing by: John Murrell

Performance Dates: April 13 & 14 @ 7:30pm – Ainsworth House & Gardens, Oregon City

April 20 @ 7:30pm & April 22 @ 2pm – Scottish Rite Center Theater, Portland

Tickets: $20 adults/$15 Students/Seniors at www.boxofficetickets.com

More info: www.promisetheopera.wordpress.com

Vocal Health/CMT

admin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:34:36 +0000

Vocal Health Presentation and Master Class

by Kari Ragan

March 3, Portland, Oregon

Pre-register by February 25

Please view the brochure for an upcoming Vocal Health/CMT event in Portland.

Hope to see many of you there!

http://public.iwork.com/document/?d=Vocal_Health_Workshop_and_Masterclas_Brochure.pages&a=p1046593938

Lyric Diction Course

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:21:21 +0000

Intro to Lyric Diction at PCC Sylvania

PCC is offering a new course this fall and winter designed to give classical singers a competitive leg up on Lyric Diction before they hit their junior year of college, or in addition to their current vocal study. Advanced high school students and adult singers as well, are encouraged to take this two-part Introduction to Lyric Diction course.

It’s being offered at the Sylvania campus Monday and Wednesday evenings in order to allow for busy daytime work or school schedules. Fall term will cover English and Italian diction, with French and German being offered in the winter. It’s possible to take the course as an audit for no grade. Going through the admissions and registration online is easy, and no other PCC courses are required as long as students are currently engaged in private vocal study.

The course is being taught by NATS teacher Theresa Koon, who has lived and performed in Germany, and lived and studied in France and Italy. Theresa taught Lyric Diction at the 300 level at the University of Victoria BC.

This Intro-level course is listed in the PCC catalogue as Music 199L Intro to Lyric Diction. The PCC music department hopes that many students take advantage of this special new course, which will be repeated only if registration numbers warrant it.

Interested students can simply follow the PCC procedures for admissions and registration, or contact Theresa with any questions at: tkoon@teleport.com or call: 503-239-8524

Welcome!

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:28:24 +0000

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