PREVIOUS SEASONS
2024
After a 4 summer hiatus, Stafford Opera Troupe returned with a bang with 21 participants for our presentation of Die Fledermaus. In addition to the main show, we performed two local concerts. The first was songs from The Great American Songbook and the other was a variety of arias from various beloved operas. It all culminated with two performances of Richard Strauss II's Die Fledermaus, all to great reviews from the community! We were joined by a number of local high school students who were new to opera, several amazing collegiate artists, and even a local high school choral director! Our Professional Fellows, who have the most experience in opera performance, joined us from such places as Michigan, New York, and even China. They led an insightful and educational Q & A panel as well.
2024 was our first time performing in the beautiful Waverly Hall in Seacobeck on the campus of UMW. It was the perfect space for us, and many community members were excited to see this recently renovated campus facility for the first time. Over the three week period, the students participated in daily rehearsals, weekly private coachings, three Masterclasses, and two Seminars.
We were also thrilled to welcome a two new faculty members as well.
Here are a few quotes from our students:
"Stafford Opera Troupe is such a wholesome summer program that is great for young singers and emerging artists. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to get a particular role under their belt or who is interested in performing in opera for the very first time."
"Going into this, I was not interested in opera at all....I had some doubts- being a high school student. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. They didn't treat me any different because of my age and rookie-ness, and I was genuinely appreciated and involved. I am so glad I was a part of SOT, and I am so excited to do it all again next year, and for the rest of the years to come."
"I highly recommend auditioning, even if you’ve never seen an opera before. The people you meet make it worth the experience, and the show you bring to Stafford County is needed."
2024 was our first time performing in the beautiful Waverly Hall in Seacobeck on the campus of UMW. It was the perfect space for us, and many community members were excited to see this recently renovated campus facility for the first time. Over the three week period, the students participated in daily rehearsals, weekly private coachings, three Masterclasses, and two Seminars.
We were also thrilled to welcome a two new faculty members as well.
Here are a few quotes from our students:
"Stafford Opera Troupe is such a wholesome summer program that is great for young singers and emerging artists. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to get a particular role under their belt or who is interested in performing in opera for the very first time."
"Going into this, I was not interested in opera at all....I had some doubts- being a high school student. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. They didn't treat me any different because of my age and rookie-ness, and I was genuinely appreciated and involved. I am so glad I was a part of SOT, and I am so excited to do it all again next year, and for the rest of the years to come."
"I highly recommend auditioning, even if you’ve never seen an opera before. The people you meet make it worth the experience, and the show you bring to Stafford County is needed."
2019
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Stafford Opera Troupe's fourth Summer Opera Program brought our first presentation of an original work. During the 2019 program, twenty-six singers participated in six seminars, three master classes, and two mainstage performances of the original Much Ado About Nothing, a new work by SOT Faculty member Evan Keene. The timeless works of Shakespeare have often been set to music, and SOT was thrilled to present one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies told through the soaring voices of our students. Some of our faculty and students were also honored to be interviewed by Mr. Charlie Clute on the process of adapting Shakespeare to opera. On August 2 and 3 at Mountain View High School the cast debuted this exciting work for the community. The faculty and staff were supplemented by visiting faculty including Mr. Bryan Stenson, Dr. Jordan Davidson, Mr. Nicholas Pallesen, Mr. Chris Apfelbach and Ms. Kelli Overmeyer who presented lectures and masterclasses.
2019 Award RecipientsStafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of five Summer Opera Program singers in 2019.
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2018
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Stafford Opera Troupe's third Summer Opera Program brought its educational opportunities to new heights. During the July 12-August 4 program, fifteen singers participated in ten workshops and lectures, four public masterclasses, and two mainstage performances of Viardot's Cinderella on August 3 and 4 at Mountain View High School. The faculty and staff of twelve were supplemented by two visiting faculty, Brett Pardue and Dr. Isaiah Feken, who presented lectures and masterclasses.
2018 Award RecipientsStafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of six Summer Opera Program singers in 2018.
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2017
Painting by Android Jones of www.androidjones.com.
SOT Gives Back
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Stafford Opera Troupe returned for its second Summer Opera Program in 2017. Fifteen singers and three Peer Mentors, under the instruction of nine faculty members, performed roles and in the ensemble of Henry Purcell's masterpiece Dido and Aeneas.
In addition to daily rehearsals, participants took part in:
2017 Award Recipients
Stafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of five Summer Opera Program singers in 2017.
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2016
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In the summer of 2016, SOT hosted its inaugural Summer Opera Program. In an intimate learning setting, seven students graduated from the program along with four Peer Mentors who influenced them along the way. Each singer had multiple solo performance opportunities and experienced private coachings and acting direction from the program faculty. Two weeks of training and rehearsal culminated in Night at the Opera, a concert of fully staged opera scenes presented on August 6th, 2016.
2016 Award Recipients
Stafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of four Summer Opera Program singers in 2016.
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