Youth Opera PROGRAM ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) hen closures began in March 2020, Sarasota Youth
W
While SYO looks forward to meeting in person again when
Opera has developed virtual programming for
it is safe to do so, our singers have been enthusiastic about
its young singers. SYO quickly moved to Zoom
the virtual youth opera program this year. SYO member Ovid
for rehearsals at the beginning of the pandemic, and rebuilt
recounts his experience during the pandemic while reminiscing
summer camp to be fully virtual. Singers had a combination
on a past production, “Getting to be on stage for Brundibár last
of live classes in chorus, acting, and opera history with pre-
year was incredible. A lot of things are different this year, but
recorded project-based classes in costumes, props & sets, and
something that hasn’t changed is my passion for the Sarasota
wigs & makeup.
Youth Opera.”
From the success of summer camp, SYO was inspired to create a unique experience for the school year. Stage Director Martha Collins joins Maestro Jesse Martins and Maestro George Hemcher at weekly youth opera rehearsals teaching acting. Martha added, “Usually I only see SYO for the fall production and Summer Camp, but this year I have been so happy to be a part of the program year round.” Maestro
Jesse
commented
on
the
challenges of online learning, “The methods that we rely on do not translate easily into the virtual world. At the same time, considering that kids are miles ahead when it comes to technology, we were able to develop a symbiotic process in which their know-how helped us capitalize on the possibilities.” All three staff members take smaller groups of singers and rotate their
Maestro George Hemcher
virtual rehearsals between chorus, Opera 101, and acting. SYO has invited professionals who work in opera to talk in our Special Guest Series. Soprano Adelaide Boedecker, baritone Alexander Charles Boyd, costume designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan, stage director Mark Freiman, Executive Director Richard Russell, and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi have been among some of the special guests who shared the story of their careers. In these sessions SYO members can ask questions and learn more about the different professions involved in the art form. Adelaide Boedecker, an SYO alumna, shared her experience as a special guest, “It was a pleasure to come full circle and talk with SYO members. I loved being able to discuss how pivotal a role SYO played in preparing me for the field of opera. It was a joy to give SYO members insight into what life as a professional opera singer looks like. The main aspect I enjoyed was witnessing the passion that SYO members have for opera and the arts. I’m so thankful that I was given the opportunity to talk with them!”
Maestro Jesse Martins
50
THE SARASOTA OPERA 2021 PROGRAM
