From Classics to Contemporary: A Fundraising Concert & House Party to Benefit Opera Theatre of Montclair

Opera Theatre of Montclair will present a unique concert featuring operatic excerpts composed within the last 50 years complemented by the classics that may have inspired the composers. This event will take place at a remarkable Upper Montclair home owned by a noted arts philanthropist and collector of 20th and 21st century art. This gallery-like modernist home with excellent acoustics will serve as the perfect backdrop for OTM’s artists to sing a range of repertoire – from Puccini to new works by young, up-and-coming composers in the field of opera. The premise is to match a newer work with a classic work (similar tonalities, themes, settings, etc.).

Come support OTM’s new season while taking tours of this magnificent home, gardens and awe-inspiring art collection as well as enjoying champagne at the catered reception. Then sit back and watch some of OTM’s most beloved artists (and some new faces) perform a diverse and challenging program with a fun and informative narration.

Space is limited: please purchase your tickets no later than Thursday, July 19.

Artists and Repertoire (subject to change):

Rebecca Eng, piano

Mia Riker-Norrie, narrator

1a. on the lake from now/here sea/son by Samuel Zagnit (1996- ): Rusti Ropac, mezzo soprano
1b. Laurie’s Song from The Tender Land by Aaron Copland (1900-1990): Laura Kosar, soprano

2a. We Had One Room from Elizabeth Cree by Kevin Puts (1972- ): Max Potter, mezzo soprano
2b. E lucevan le stelle from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924): Benjamin Sloman, tenor

3a. This Journey from Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie (1961- ): Max Potter, mezzo soprano
3b. Duet from Andrea Chénier by Umberto Giordano (1867-1948): Sabrina Palladino, soprano, and Benjamin Sloman, tenor

4a. My Darling Jim from Glory Denied by Tom Cipullo (1956- ): Erin Persick, soprano
4b. Duet of Aida and Amonasro from Aida by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901): Sabrina Palladino, soprano, and Jim Pierce, baritone

5a. Hester’s Lullaby from The Scarlet Letter by Lori Laitman (1955- ): Susan Wheeler, soprano
5b. Oh Luigi! Luigi! from Il Tabarro byGiacomo Puccini (1858-1924): Sabrina Palladino, soprano, & Benjamin Sloman, tenor

6a. Am I in Your Light? from Doctor Atomic by John Adams (1947- ): Cornelia Lotito, mezzo soprano
6b. Monologue from Richard II by William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Craig Dudley, actor

7a. A Simple Song from Mass by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990): Jim Pierce, baritone
7b. What a Movie! from Trouble in Tahiti by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990): Cornelia Lotito, mezzo soprano