West Bay Opera Chorus Information

Season auditions for the all-volunteer West Bay Opera Chorus take place in the fall, however there are often additional per-production auditions held a few weeks before rehearsals begin. Procedures vary depending on the conductor. All three productions in 2008-09 (Carmen, Orfeo ed Euridice, Madama Butterfly) call for chorus, a lot of chorus for the first two.

The West Bay Opera 2007-2008 season is a great one for chorus. Two of the three operas feature the chorus prominently. The third (Così) is just right for those who may not have the time for an opera requiring a larger commitment, but would appreciate the opportunity to be immersed in Mozart's wonderful music. See details below concerning Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci (fall), Così fan tutte (winter) and Der fliegende Holländer (spring).

About the Current Production (Der fliegende Holländer)

• Chorus Audition Information Auditions for the spring production, Der fliegende Holländer, took place on March 16. Information concerning next season will be posted on the audition page when available, probably late June or July.
• Chorus Rehearsal Schedule – Full music and staging rehearsal schedule. Updated frequently as details become available.
• Scene breakdown
• Chorus aids – Midi files, translations.
• Libretto
• Synopsis
• Cut List – Chorus music for this production is uncut.

General information

• Information for Chorus Members - general information about rehearsals and production elements
• Stage Terminology - If you are new to staged opera, or just to the West Bay Opera chorus, this is a glossary of stage technical terms that you might want to know.
• Italian Pronunciation for opera singers - an introduction
• German pronunciation site, maintained by the German Department of the University of Exeter
• Directions to the theater and to the rehearsal hall

About the Operas

Fall: Cavalleria rusticana (Mascagni) and Pagliacci (Leoncavallo)

These prototypical examples of verismo opera are often performed together. The operas will be directed by José María Condemi, making his WBO debut. General director José Luis Moscovich will conduct. He conducted Die Zauberflöte for WBO's 50th season in the fall of 2005. The operas will be sung in Italian.

Synopses and other information concerning the work and WBO's production may be found on the main WBO site.

Schedule

• Staging will probably begin in early September and music rehearsals another 3 or 4 weeks before that.
• The week before opening (Oct. 5-11) should be reserved for dress rehearsals, Sitzproben, etc.
• The six performances take place Oct. 12 – 14 and Oct. 19 – 21, 2007.

Expect a moderately heavy rehearsal schedule.

Publicity photo, winter, 2000 production

Winter: Così fan tutte (Mozart)

Find out more about the opera at the Met broadcast site.

The Flying Dutchman, Albert Pinkham Ryder

Spring: Der fliegender Holländer (Wagner)

Wagner's earliest masterpiece in the intimate Lucie Stern Theatre? It's been done, but not since WBO's 1986 production. Don't miss this opportunity! WBO regular David Ostwald will be stage director, joined by conductor and WBO General Director José Luis Moscovich. James Richard Frieman will be chorus master. The opera will be sung in German.

Find out more about the opera at the Met broadcast site.

Schedule

• The first music rehearsal is Tuesday evening, March 18th; first staging rehearsal is Tuesday evening, April 15. Expect a relatively heavy rehearsal schedule but it will be worth it!
• The week before opening (May 16-22) should be reserved for dress rehearsals, Sitzproben, etc.
• Performances are May 23 – 25 and May 30 – June 1, 2008.