Voce di Roma premeires

The new chamber choir Voce di Roma will make its debut February 6 at 7:30 pm in Brookes Chapel at Shorter College. Tre Appleby will conduct the Dvořák Te Deum featuring Matthew Hoch, baritone, with myself as the soprano soloist.

From Paris and Pontevedro to Savannah and Chattanooga

It will be a busy week for me: first I will be attending the GMEA (Georgia Music Educators' Association) conference in Savannah and then judging the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Guild Voice Competition. Meanwhile, I am still reveling in the success of my production of The Merry Widow.

Photo by Chuck Tedder featuring can-can girls/Shorter students Jenica Reed, Anne Marie Kelly, Emily Tweedy, Tareva Moore, Mary Diesch, and Jasmine Habersham.

"The Merry Widow" runs Jan. 22-23

Shorter Opera Theatre proudly presents Franz Lehar's operetta
The Merry Widow. As the stage director and choreographer of the production, I am proud of the talented singers at Shorter, who also get to test their acting and dancing skills in this production. Performances will be at the Rome City Auditorium Jan. 22 and 23 at 7:30 pm. For tickets, please contact boxoffice@shorter.edu .

Photo by Aimee Madden featuring Emily Tweedy as Valencienne in the can-can.

Excerpts from "The Prince of Tides" opera to be premiered

One should always be ready for unexpected opportunities. 2010 is starting with a new-found endeavor for me. Twelve days before the premiere of excerpts from Andy Fowler's opera based on The Prince of Tides, I was called to step in for an ailing singer. My last week of vacation before the spring semester will be spent learning this exciting new work. On January 10, 2010 at the University of South Carolina, Tim Koch of the Carolina Master Chorale will conduct the excerpts from Fowler's new opera. I will sing Savannah, the suicidal sister (played by Melinda Dillon in the movie) as well as young Lila, her mother, in flashbacks. It should be an exciting (and anxious week) as I do my best to prepare my part. For more on Tim Koch and Andy Fowler, please visit the CMC website at CAROLINA MASTER CHORALE .