VOCALISE
By Sergei Rachmaninoff
November 18-10, 2016 • Northridge, CA
Concept and choreography: Dr. Paula Thomson
Music Director, Pianist: Ann Baltz
Soprano: Nan Cui
Dancer: Lilia Kibarska
The dancer, opera singer and pianist are aspects of one Self, a self that is longing to fulfill that which never happened and to heal that which disintegrated the self. Vocalise reflects the steady movement forward in time, while we struggle to reconcile the past and seek the future.
For Now: Love, Hate, Hope, Fear
a musically improvised concert
September 18-21, 2014 • Boulder International Fringe Festival
Kristin Gornstein, mezzo-soprano
David Aks, cello
Ann Baltz, piano
We asked 50 people the same questions: “What do you love in your life? What do you hate? What do you fear? What brings you hope?” The powerful thought-provoking answers provide the texts for four musicians improvising with each other, creating something wholly new for each of five performances. The musicians’ different musical roots (opera, classical music, folk, jazz) bring excitement and spontaneity to this original production.
VOCALISE
By Sergei Rachmaninoff
March 4 & 7, 2013 • UCLA in Los Angeles, CA
ON THE EDGE OF CHAOS: Finding Flow & Resilience through Creativity & the Arts
Concept and choreography: Dr. Paula Thomson
Music Director, Pianist: Kanae Matsumoto
Soprano: Nan Cui
Dancer: Lilia Kibarska
The dancer, opera singer and pianist are aspects of one Self, a self that is longing to fulfill that which never happened and to heal that which disintegrated the self. Vocalise reflects the steady movement forward in time, while we struggle to reconcile the past and seek the future.
in celebration of small
by zern lieu
march 25, 2012 • new york city
small steps start the longest journeys. in a world where facebook friend tallies, klout scores, and text messages are replacing true relationships, twelve singers integrate operatic arias along with spoken word and movement to bring back personal connection. “in celebration of small” is a one-act operatic theater piece with text by zern liew adapted from an original article. small is the new big.
artistic direction: ann baltz / production: zeffin quinn hollis / musical direction: eric sedgwick
cast
rebecca blinder / jill dewsnup / ashley emerson / laura farmer / frank hampton / lauren haber / beverly love / inez antoni mendezona / sara noble / elizabeth novella / marci wagnon / jennifer weingartner
THE DIARY OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
The Diary of Virginia Woolf
By Dominick Argento
May 9, 2010 • Los Angeles, CA
A choreographed performance of Argento’s song cycle in collaboration with OperaWorks faculty, alumni, and California State University, Northridge’s dance department.
Choreographer: Dr. Paula Thomson
Music Director, Pianist: Ann Baltz
Singers: Erika Wueschner, Kristina Driskill
Dancers: Lilia Kibarska
VOCALISE
By Sergei Rachmaninoff
December 5, 2009 • Northridge, CA
with OperaWorks faculty and alumni
Concept and choreography: Dr. Paula Thomson
Music Director, Pianist: Ann Baltz
Soprano: Hannah Waldman
Dancer: Lilia Kibarska
The dancer, opera singer and pianist are aspects of one Self, a self that is longing to fulfill that which never happened and to heal that which disintegrated the self. Vocalise reflects the steady movement forward in time, while we struggle to reconcile the past and seek the future.
TONY CARUSO'S FINAL BROADCAST
World staged premiere
Paul Salerni, composer
Dana Gioia, librettist
January 4, 2008 • National NOA Conference • Los Angeles, CA
The one-act opera takes place in a classical music radio station on the last night of its operations. The station’s final program, “Opera Lover,” is hosted by Antonio Caruso, a failed tenor who has worked on the show for 27 years.
Producer, Co-Music Director: Ann Baltz
Conductor, Co-Music Director: David Aks
Stage Director: Eli Villanueva
CAST
Special guest Henry Fogel
Christopher Campbell / Erika Wueschner / Kristina Driskill /
(Ensemble) Wendy Elizabeth Cooper / Laura D. Parker / Bruce Wright / Hannah Waldman / Vincent Robles / Julie Bermel / April Amante / Jayme Alilaw / Steven Lanzarotta
Funding provided by the National Opera Association; the LA Opera Community Programs; the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at California State University-Northridge; and the Opera Guild of Southern California.
BEACHED
Piano Improvisation by Ann Baltz
October 10, 2007 • Anson Ford Amphitheater • Los Angeles, CA
A collaboration between OperaWorks and award-winning Lux Aeterna Dance Company. Live performance at the Anson Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles involving pre-recorded piano improvisations, choreographed and danced by Lux Aeterna Dance Company, with live classical vocal improvisations onstage in performance.
Artistic Advisor: Dr. Paula Thomson
Choreography: Jacob “Kujo” Lyons / Lux Aeterna Dance Company
Singers improvising live in performance: Kristina Driskill / Laura Parker
UNDERWATER
Lux Aeterna Dance Company
Cello improvisation by David Aks
October 10, 2007 • Anson Ford Amphitheater • Los Angeles, CA
A unique collaboration involving pre-recorded cello improvisations that were choreographed, performed and filmed underwater by award-winning Lux Aeterna Dance Company. The underwater film was the prelude to the live dance “Beached” with recorded and live piano/vocal improvisations.