An Evening of Opera Highlights program
Program order and start times
Synopses and Singer Bios
"Dalla Sua Pace" is an aria from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Don Ottavio is Donna Anna’s fiancé and right-hand man and is helping her find out who murdered her father. Don Ottavio is not a very big role in the opera and this piece is his big break. He speaks of his love for Donna Anna in very descript poetic detail, saying such things as, “quel che le incresce morte mi da” (what grieves her wounds me to the heart) and “quel che a le piace vita mi rende” (what pleases her gives me life). This piece is often removed from Don Giovanni because of its difficulty and Don Ottavio’s unimportance throughout the opera.
Isaac Florez (Ottavio) is in his third year at Kansas State as a music education major studying voice. He plays snare drum in the marching band, drum set in the basketball pep band, and is involved in choir as a tenor. He has also been playing piano for about ten years.
"Sul fil d’un soffio etesio" is an aria from Verdi’s Shakespeare-based opera, Falstaff, with lyricist Arrigo Boito. The plot follows a man named Sir John Falstaff who, after his financial status is in shambles, decides to seduce two prosperous wives in Windsor, Alice Ford and Meg Page. The two ladies, however, quickly see-through Falstaff’s plot and decide to amend the situation by seeking their own revenge. In act 3, Alice Ford, Meg Page, Mr. Ford, Nannetta (the Fords’ daughter), Fenton (Nannetta’s love interest), and Falstaff’s past associates all join forces. “Sul fil d’un soffio etesio” occurs in Act 3, while the young Nannetta disguises herself to be Queen of the Fairies. Nannetta sings of the forests, its fairies, and their wonders, with the other accomplices also dressed as fairies and woodland creatures. Meanwhile, the terrified Falstaff tries his best not to gaze upon the “magical creatures.”
Julia Deeb (Nanetta) is a 5th year senior majoring in vocal performance with a minor in biology. She has been active within various productions in the local community and within the opera program at K-State, including Speed Dating Tonight and Susannah. Julia is thrilled to be a part of this semester’s opera podcast and would like to thank all involved for this opportunity and for all their diligent work.
“Se Vuol Ballare” is an aria from Le Nozze de Figaro. The song takes place towards the beginning of the opera itself and the content is Figaro, who is singing, is lamenting his soon to be wife, Susannah, going on a trip with his boss, the Count. Figaro is plotting out a cunning scheme to take revenge but also not revenge on his boss for attempting to steal his fiancé away from him.
Ryan Teer (Bartolo) is a Junior studying Psychology and Musical Theatre. He has performed in opera workshop for the last 2 years and has performed in Susannah as one of the Elders. He is from Wichita, Kansas and is currently studying with Dr. Thompson. He hopes to one day be a clinical psychologist or therapist.
"V'adoro, Pupille," from Handel's Giulio Cesare, features the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, singing to Cesare. Disguised as a woman named Lidia, Cleopatra sings music of love and Cupid's arrows as Cesare draws nearer to her bedroom doors. Her seduction is successful, and he is captivated by her beauty.
Emma Curry (Cleopatra), from Riley, KS, is a Junior studying Vocal Performance at Kansas State University. She is also involved in KSU's Collegiate Chorale and is the music manager of K-State's only all-women's a cappella group, Audacity A Cappella.
At the beginning of the opera La Gioconda, the blind old woman, La Cieca, is saved from the accusation of witchcraft by a state spy. In this aria, La Cieca sings to the wife of a sea captain, Laura, who placed her under personal protection. In her gratitude, La Cieca offers Laura her most prized possession, a rosary.
Erin Grochowsky (La Cieca) is a senior in music education at Kansas State University. She has participated in the operas Speed Dating Tonight, The Pirates of Penzance, and Susannah within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Erin would like to thank Dr. Pittman for his mentorship throughout her years at K-State, and everyone involved in the culmination of this project.
Orfeo et Euridice: In this scene, Orfeo's beloved, Euridice, has died. Orfeo decides to get his love back by going to the Underworld and retrieving her himself. The angel of love, Cupid, tells Orfeo he has been granted the ability to have Euridice back by Apollo, under one condition. Orfeo must not look at her, otherwise he will lose her forever. Orfeo sings this song to calm the furies with the music of his voice, so that he can reach the island of Blessed Spirits, where his love is living in peace. Euridice is thrilled to see Orfeo but frustrated that he will not look at her. Orfeo begs her to trust him so that they may return and be together, however, Euridice sees no point in leaving paradise for a life without Orfeo's love.
Elizabeth Handy (Orfeo) is 20 years old, and a junior at K-State studying vocal music education. Originally from Bentonville, Arkansas she is studying private voice under Dr. Bryan Pinkall in school and, outside of K-State, under Dr. Reginald Pittman at the First Presbyterian Church Choir. After school, she hopes to teach general elementary music grades K-6.
“Sull’ aria” is a duet from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. In this scene the Countess has found out that her husband has an eye for her hand maid Susannah. Wanting to expose the Count’s infidelity, the Countess and Susannah compose a letter to the Count confirming his meeting with Susannah in the garden.
Sarrah Sultz (Susannah) is a senior majoring in vocal performance. This is her third opera at Kansas State University. She was a daughter in Pirates of Penzance in 2019 and Mrs. Gleaton in Susannah last spring. Sarrah would like to thank Dr. Pittman, Dr. Hunt and Alicia Willard for making this year's opera scenes happen.
Elizabeth Handy (Countess) is 20 years old, and a junior at K-State studying vocal music education. Originally from Bentonville, Arkansas she is studying private voice under Dr. Bryan Pinkall in school and, outside of K-State, under Dr. Reginald Pittman at the First Presbyterian Church Choir. After school, she hopes to teach general elementary music grades K-6.
The opera, Hansel and Gretel, is based on the fairytale of the same name. At the beginning of the production, Hansel and Gretel are sent into the woods by their mother. They quickly lose their way, and the sandman comes to bring them to sleep while they sing the Evening Prayer. Hansel and Gretel awake to find a gingerbread house with a witch who plans to eat them. Gretel uses her wit and they both escape and return to their family.
Claire Todd (Gretel)is a junior studying vocal performance. She is involved in Collegiate Chorale and was in K-State's performance of Susannah last year.
Catherine Stagner (Hansel) is a sophomore studying Vocal Performance and Spanish translation. She is a member of Collegiate Chorale and Collegium musicum and was previously in A Christmas Carol at K-State alongside other shows outside of the university. She hopes you enjoy the performances!
In this duet from The Elixir of Love Nemorino is in love with someone who isn’t in love with him. To gain her love, he goes to the town vendor, Dulcamara, for a love potion. Dulcamara lies, and tricks Nemorino to buy a cheap wine he disguises as a love potion. In this scene, Dulcamara is persuading Nemorino to buy this “potion”. Insisting that it works, and it will make him irresistible.
Matt Robison (Nemorino) is a Junior majoring in Musical Theatre. He has been a part of Opera Workshop since his freshman year, while also performing in shows in the KSU MTD season! Various shows include: Oklahoma!, The Pirates of Penzance, The Government Inspector, A Christmas Carol, and Susannah. Matt is super excited to be singing this duet with his roommate, Oliver!
Oliver Hutchison (Dulcamara) is a senior from Kansas City, Missouri, studying Civil Engineering (Structural emphasis) and Voice Performance. He is involved in Concert Choir and has been involved in Opera Workshop since his sophomore year. He was cast in Floyd’s Susannah and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. He is also a student member of the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He would like to thank Dr. Thompson, Dr. Pittman, Dr. Hunt, and Alicia Willard for making these opera scenes possible.
In Pearl Fishers, Zurga has previously sentenced Nadir and Leila to death after finding them together. Earlier in the opera, he and Nadir agreed to remain friends instead of either of them pursuing their mutual love for Leila. After some time to reflect and think about his own life and humanity, this aria serves as Zurga’s change of heart and begs forgiveness from his friends for being so cruel to them. After this aria, he sets them free and pays the ultimate price because of it.
Oliver Hutchison (Zurga) is a senior from Kansas City, Missouri, studying Civil Engineering (Structural emphasis) and Voice Performance. He is involved in Concert Choir and has been involved in Opera Workshop since his sophomore year. He was cast in Floyd’s Susannah and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. He is also a student member of the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He would like to thank Dr. Thompson, Dr. Pittman, Dr. Hunt, and Alicia Willard for making these opera scenes possible.
“Belle Nuit” is a duet for soprano and mezzo-soprano from Jacques Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffman. This unique story goes through three acts with each act representing one women Hoffman loved throughout his life. “Belle Nuit” opens the opera’s “Giulietta” act, set in Venice. It is sung by Giulietta and Nicklausse.
Erin Grochowsky (Nicklausse) is a senior in music education at Kansas State University. She has participated in the operas Speed Dating Tonight, The Pirates of Penzance, and Susannah within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Erin would like to thank Dr. Pittman for his mentorship throughout her years at K-State, and everyone involved in the culmination of this project.
Payton Boldt (Giulietta) is a Junior at Kansas State University, and she is getting her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in French. With the University, she has performed in the full productions of Pirates of Penzance as Kate, and Floyd’s Susannah as Susannah. Along with the many opportunities to perform in full productions and workshops, she is also in the top auditioned choir at K-State, and an a cappella group. She would like to thank Dr. Pittman (her voice teacher) for always pushing her to be a better performer, and everyone who helped make this recording process possible during these strange times. Any chance to perform and record right now is truly a gift!
“Depuis le jour” is from the popular opera Louise by Gustave Charpentier. This aria takes place after Julien finally succeeds in taking Louise from her parents and bringing her to a cottage in Montmartre. Louise sings “Depuis le jour” to Julien as they sit on their front porch, trying to express the joy she feels living this new life with her lover.
Payton Boldt (Louise) is a Junior at Kansas State University, and she is getting her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in French. With the University, she has performed in the full productions of Pirates of Penzance as Kate, and Floyd’s Susannah as Susannah. Along with the many opportunities to perform in full productions and workshops, she is also in the top auditioned choir at K-State, and an a cappella group. She would like to thank Dr. Pittman (her voice teacher) for always pushing her to be a better performer, and everyone who helped make this recording process possible during these strange times. Any chance to perform and record right now is truly a gift!
In Act Two, Scene Five of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Sarastro has instructed Pamina and Tamino to bid each other one final farewell before the latter faces difficult trials in his journey to join the order of priests dedicated to Isis and Osiris that Sarastro leads. Pamina, the daughter of the stubborn, volatile Queen of the Night, thinks that Tamino, a prince originally persuaded by her mother to reclaim her from the “evil” Sarastro, no longer loves her due to taking a vow of silence during one of his previous trials. Pamina and Tamino are forced to part while Sarastro urges Tamino on his journey of enlightenment, which will also prove him worthy of claiming Pamina’s hand.
Sydney VanDyke (Pamina) is a Junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders. She is absolutely thrilled to be performing again this year, albeit a little differently than expected! This is her third year being involved in Opera workshop and she couldn’t be happier to play a role in bringing this classic Mozart trio to life! Her past K-State Theatre productions include Oklahoma and Pirates of Penzance. She would like to thank her fellow castmates and the wonderful production team for all that they have done to bring some music back into our lives once again!
Ryan Hernandez (Tamino) is a senior at Kansas State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree of music education with an emphasis in voice. During his time with K-State Opera Theatre, he has performed in scenes from Die Fledermaus, The Yeoman of the Guard, L’italiana in Algeri, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and as Little Bat in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. He studies applied voice with Dr. Bryan Pinkall, and is a member of Concert Choir and the Madrigal & Motet Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Joshua Oppenheim and Mr. David Wood, respectively. He is excited to be featured in the trio from Die Zauberflöte by Mozart alongside two other members of Dr. Pinkall’s studio! Finally, he would like to thank the Kansas Theatre Works podcast team for their role in the production of this year’s performances.
Kolby Van Camp (Sarastro)is currently a senior at Kansas State University achieving his bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Composition. Kolby is a professional singer, chorister, conductor, and composer from Topeka. He played the role of Elder McLean in last year’s opera, Susannah, is a member of Concert Choir and Madrigal and Motet Ensemble, is the president of the K-State Early Music Society, the Director of Choral Music at First Lutheran Church here in Manhattan, and is the president and co-founder of the publishing company Novus Music Publishing, Inc. Kolby would like to thank Dr. Pittman for the opportunity to participate in the 2021 opera workshop.
Bella siccome un angelo is one of the principal arias of the opera buffa, "Don Pasquale". The aging Don Pasquale is trying to find a wife and a suitable heir to his fortune. Through a convoluted series of events, Dr. Malatesta gets Don Pasquale to marry a woman with the hopes that he will sign his fortune over to her, making him, Ernesto, and Norina rich. Bella siccome un angelo (meaning “beautiful as an angel”) is the aria sung with the attempt to really pull the wool over the aging Pasquale’s eyes and convince him that this is the woman he needs to marry.
Kolby Van Camp (Dr. Malatesta) is currently a senior at Kansas State University achieving his bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Composition. Kolby is a professional singer, chorister, conductor, and composer from Topeka. He played the role of Elder McLean in last year’s opera, Susannah, is a member of Concert Choir and Madrigal and Motet Ensemble, is the president of the K-State Early Music Society, the Director of Choral Music at First Lutheran Church here in Manhattan, and is the president and co-founder of the publishing company Novus Music Publishing, Inc. Kolby would like to thank Dr. Pittman for the opportunity to participate in the 2021 opera workshop.
Sadko is an opera-bylina in seven scenes by the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. In Scene Four, the titular character is seeking to influence his home, Novgorod, with exotic cultures after winning a ship from a wager and asks three traveling merchants in his city to regale him with tales of their homelands. “The Song of the Indian Guest” tells of the mystical riches of the sky that dwarf those from the land and sea of the singer’s home of India.
Ryan Hernandez (Indian Guest) is a senior at Kansas State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree of music education with an emphasis in voice. During his time with K-State Opera Theatre, he has performed in scenes from Die Fledermaus, The Yeoman of the Guard, L’italiana in Algeri, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and as Little Bat in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. He studies applied voice with Dr. Bryan Pinkall, and is a member of Concert Choir and the Madrigal & Motet Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Joshua Oppenheim and Mr. David Wood, respectively. He is excited to be featured in the trio from Die Zauberflöte by Mozart alongside two other members of Dr. Pinkall’s studio! Finally, he would like to thank the Kansas Theatre Works podcast team for their role in the production of this year’s performances.
“Una donna a quindici anni” from Così Fan Tutti.
Paige Padgett (Despina) is a sophomore at K-State majoring in Vocal Performance with a minor in Communication Studies. Paige is performing in the trio as Fiordiligi - Soave sia il vento from Così Fan Tutti. She is also singing as Despina in the Aria piece Una donna a quindici anni, also from Così Fan Tutti. Paige would like to thank her professor Dr. Pittman for being a great mentor and to her family and close friends for all of their support. Paige hopes everyone enjoys the Concert of Arias.
“Soave sia il vento” from Così Fan Tutti
Ethan Irons (Don Alfonso) is a Sophomore majoring in Vocal Performance. He is a member of both Concert Choir and InAChord here at K-State and has previously performed in the production of Floyd's Susannah. He would like to thank Dr. Pittman, Dr. Hunt, Alicia Willard, as well as the production team for making this all possible!
Paige Padgett (Fiordiligi) is a sophomore at K-State majoring in Vocal Performance with a minor in Communication Studies. Paige is performing in the trio as Fiordiligi - Soave sia il vento from Così Fan Tutti. She is also singing as Despina in the Aria piece Una donna a quindici anni, also from Così Fan Tutti. Paige would like to thank her professor Dr. Pittman for being a great mentor and to her family and close friends for all of their support. Paige hopes everyone enjoys the Concert of Arias.
Emma Iacovella (Dorabella) is a Junior studying Music Education with an emphasis in Voice. She is also involved in the Collegiate Chorale, and a jazz combo at K-State. She studies with Dr. Patricia Thompson and wants to thank Dr. Pittmann for putting this together despite the challenges we are facing in the world we live in today. She thanks everyone who was involved in putting this all together, and she hopes you all enjoy the beautiful music!
In this duet from Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni is going after another “conquest” in Zerlina. Zerlina is somewhat cautious and attempts to persevere through his seduction tactics, thinking of her own love, Masetto, before ultimately succumbing to Don Giovanni’s crooning. This scene serves as an example that no matter what Don Giovanni happens to be doing at a moment in time, if he sees a woman who he thinks he can woo, he will drop everything and take it, because that’s the kind of garbage he is!
Oliver Hutchison (Don Giovanni) is a senior from Kansas City, Missouri, studying Civil Engineering (Structural emphasis) and Voice Performance. He is involved in Concert Choir and has been involved in Opera Workshop since his sophomore year. He was cast in Floyd’s Susannah and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. He is also a student member of the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He would like to thank Dr. Thompson, Dr. Pittman, Dr. Hunt, and Alicia Willard for making these opera scenes possible.
Morgan Grote (Zerlina) is a fifth year senior in Voice Performance with a minor in theatre. She is excited to graduate this May and finish up her final semester with a chance to perform beautiful music! She would like to thank her teachers, family and friends for their constant support and pushing in all her musical endeavors.
In Der Feischütz, Agathe, a young girl, prays to heaven for protection from the dream she had in which she turned into a dove and Max, her lover, shot her.
Kate Westhoven (Agathe) is a first-year Masters in Vocal Performance student at K-State. Kate is a singer and soloist with the Masterworks Choir under Dr. Ward. She currently has the privilege to teach at K-State as well as with the Manhattan Arts Center and she thanks her family for their support.