MUSIC

Shepherd School Opera and the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra present  Prologue from Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss (pictured)  and Viva la Mamma! by Gaetano Donizetti. Richard Bado, conductor, Cristian Măcelaru, conductor (Nov. 10 performance), Debra Dickinson, director .

The process of artistic creation holds a fascination for artists and audiences alike. This fall, The Shepherd School of Music presents two one-act "backstage" operas which celebrate and satirize the talent and temperament of opera's artistic collaborators.

In the Prologue to Ariadne auf Naxos, by Richard Strauss, a naïve young composer's first opera has been commissioned by a wealthy Viennese patron. Shortly before the premiere, the composer learns to his horror that the patron insists that the tone of his dramatic opera be lightened by playing scenes from a Commedia dell'arte troupe simultaneously with the opera. The composer strives to maintain his artistic integrity amid the ever-increasing panic of opening night, all set to Strauss' glorious music.

In Donizetti's Viva la Mamma!, a provincial Italian opera company attempts the final troubled rehearsal of a dramatic new work despite inflated egos, stormy temper tantrums, last minute substitutions, and the "stage mother from hell." The result is a hilarious spoof of the foibles, anxieties, and excitement of putting on an opera, accompanied by dazzling coloratura and bel canto vocal pyrotechnics.

These two peeks into the backstage life of operatic performance demonstrate a strong affection for the art form and a warmly humorous take on the eccentric personalities that seem to remain a constant in the world of opera, regardless of language, time period or locale.

The Shepherd School of Music will present the Prologue to Ariadne auf Naxos (sung in German with English surtitles) and Viva la Mamma! (sung in Italian with English surtitles) on November 4, 6, 8 and 10 as part of the Leon Wilson Clarke Opera Series.

This production will be conducted by Richard Bado and directed by Debra Dickinson. Cristian Măcelaru will conduct the final performance on Tuesday. Performances on Wednesday, November 4, Friday, November 6, and Tuesday, November 10 begin at 7:30 p.m. The performance on Sunday, November 8, begins at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $12.00; $10.00 for students and senior citizens.

For tickets call the Shepherd School Concert Office at 713-348-8000.