INVITATION: The Opera Company of Philadelphia Interactive Videoconference Event: The Italian Girl in Algiers
All,
MAGPI cordially invites you to attend a special project with the Opera Company of Philadelphia. We have space for three classes of post-secondary classes in the Greater Philadelphia area – hope you can join us!
To reserve your place, please send an email to hweisse@magpi.net no later than Friday, October 24th. There will be a multisite test for this event on October 30th from 11:00 a.m. .- 12:00 p.m. Participation in the multisite videoconference test is required.
Best,
Heather
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The Opera Company of Philadelphia Interactive Videoconference Event: The Italian Girl in Algiers
MAGPI has space for three classes of college students to participate in this exciting program. Please note that participation in the videoconference event on November 6th requires students to travel to the Academy of Music for the dress rehearsal of The Italian Girl in Algiers on November 12th. Therefore, this project is most suitable for post-secondary institutions in the greater Philadelphia area.
Host: Opera Company of Philadelphia
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Connection: H.323 Videoconference via the Internet2 Commons
Open to: College Students
Guests: Lawrence Brownlee, tenor
Katy Pracht, mezzo-soprano (pending confirmation)
Laurie Rogers, accompanist
Moderator: Michael Bolton
Event Description:
Michael Bolton from the Opera Company of Philadelphia will moderate a discussion about
Rossini’s opera, The Italian Girl in Algiers. Music from the opera will be used to highlight the
discussion and will be performed by mezzo soprano Katy Pracht with Laurie Rogers at the piano.
Also joining the discussion will be tenor Lawrence Brownlee, one of the most acclaimed singers of
his generation and one of the most acclaimed singers in the Rossini bel-canto repertoire. Mr.
Brownlee, who stars in the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s production of the opera, will also
discuss his career and the challenges of working in the performing arts.
The discussion will provide students with ample interactive opportunities to ask questions of all
participants as they share their insights into the opera and into performing arts-related careers. This will be of particular interest to participating students, who are music students from area
universities and colleges.
Students participating in the I2 event will have the opportunity to see the Opera Company of
Philadelphia production of Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers at the November 12th student dress rehearsal. Please note, students will be asked to travel to the Academy of Music for this performance.
Event Timeline:
2:00 Welcome from Michael Bolton
– Introduction of guests
– Introduction of participating organizations
2:05 The Italian Girl in Algiers
– Information on composer Gioacchino Rossini
– Background on The Italian Girl in Algiers
– Plot Synopsis
2:15 Performance: Isabella’s aria “Cruda sorte”
– Katy Pracht, mezzo-soprano and Laurie Rogers, piano
2:20 Questions from participants
2:25 In conversation with Lawrence Brownlee
– How did he discover his talent?
– Who are his major influences?
– What are his views on bel-canto and Rossini singing?
2:40 Questions from students
2:50 Careers in the Arts discussion
– Discussion with Lawrence Brownlee, Katy Pracht, Laurie Rogers
– Challenges of making a career in the arts today
– Interactive discussion with students
* * * * * * *
Heather Weisse Walsh
Applications Coordinator
MAGPI
3401 Walnut Street, Suite 233A
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228
Email: hweisse@magpi.net
Phone: 215-573-6417
