Police brutality. Political torture. Passion, betrayal, jealousy. Murder. Suicide.
Yesterday's headlines?
Nope, next weekend’s opera: "Tosca."
Slated as Toledo Opera’s season opener, it will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Valentine Theatre.
Read the rest of Sally Vallongo's article in today's edition of The Blade.
Vallongo relates the history of Puccini's opera in its original development and its impact on Toledo audiences, as well as interviews lead star Jill Gardner, who was a guest at last week's Toledo Opera Guild luncheon.
Toledo Opera artistic director James Meena praises the Valentine Theatre and its renovated orchestra pit.
"It's the perfect opera to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Valentine," he told The Blade.
Meena conducted "Tosca" for the Valentine's inaugural performance in 1999. The traditional sets also will be the same, the Seattle Opera's painted canvas backdrops from Italian designer Ercole Sormani.
"There are only a few sets by Sormani in the U.S.," the conductor said.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
'Vissi d'arte': Gardner Treats Opera Guild to 'Tosca' Aria at Luncheon
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| Soprano Jill Gardner, left, the female lead in the Toledo Opera's "Tosca," visits with Judith Conda at the opera guild luncheon at Inverness. |
Soprano Jill Gardner may have been pleading to God as to why she has found herself -- or, rather, her character Tosca in Puccini's same-titled opera -- in such a tangled web of political and romantic intrigue, but the members and guests of the Toledo Opera Guild certainly would have offered prayers of divine gratitude for such a lovely performance.
Gardner, star of the Toledo Opera's upcoming "Tosca" production, sang the aria from Act II at the guild luncheon Wednesday at Inverness Club, with Kevin Bylsma accompanying on piano. Visit the guild's Facebook page to view a video.
"The Italians truly believe in destiny," Gardner said prior to the solo, describing Tosca's pleas to God that a lifelong service to humanity and love of art ("Vissi d'arte") should have protected her from the torture of her lover and an indecent proposal from a corrupt police chief.
"Nell'ora del dolore, perché, perché, Signore, perché me ne rimuneri così?" she sings, which means: "In this hour of grief, why, why, Lord, why do you reward me thus?"
The audience certainly will be rewarded by Gardner's amazing voice and those of a stellar cast in the Oct. 10 and 12 performances of "Tosca." Visit the Toledo Opera's website for more information and tickets. Read more about Gardner's biography on her site.
Gardner has been immersed in Puccini roles lately, but her portrayal of Tosca in Toledo will be a special one for her. Verismo soprano Diana Soviero, her mentor and current teacher, opened the Valentine Theatre in the same role years ago.
"It makes me cry even thinking about it," Gardner said.
The opera singer emphasized how important it is to study with a good teacher if one wants a successful and fulfilling career.
"What makes us as musicians is teachers," she said.
Gardner advises young students to be patient, especially with their voices as they will develop and mature over time. She encourages people who may be interested in becoming an opera performer to work on musicianship, to study the history of opera and its impact on Western culture, and to become fluent in other languages.
She also counsels prospective music students to secure their education with as minimal debt as possible, including attending community colleges for regular coursework before pursuing music credits at another school.
"You have to be so much more creative now to figure out how to do this," she said.
Gardner lives in North Carolina with husband Jake, who also is an opera singer. The bass-baritone and soprano have performed "Tosca" roles together before.
"We work out a lot of things in the second act," Gardner joked, swinging her fist around.
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| Cindy Niggemyer, left, sporting a diamond tiara, chats with Joyce Stenberg at the luncheon. |
Attendees dined on delectable tomato soup with tender chunks of carrots and onion, fluffy quiche studded with asparagus and spinach paired with green beans almondine, and a fall-is-finally-here slice of pumpkin pie graced with fresh whipped cream and a velvety roll of white chocolate.
Guild president Cindy Niggemyer -- thematically bedecked in glittering diamond jewelry and tiara with a denim skirt and blue gloves -- distributed new membership booklets and joked that her attire didn't seem that extraordinary to guild members.
"It's opera!" Bylsma quipped.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
UT Soprano to Present Solo Recital in Free Concert
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| Denise Ritter Bernardini (http://wordpress.utoledo.edu/) |
The congregation at 4718 Brittany Road is hosting this free concert recital as part of its Common Grounds for the Community series, which offers high quality events and performances to the community with the goal of establishing St. Michael’s as a regional center of spiritual thought and culture.
Ritter Bernardini will perform music by Aaron Copeland, Leonard Bernstein, Amy Beach, George Gershwin and others. Elena Bardi will accompany on piano.
The UT assistant professor of voice is "known for her ability to sing a variety of styles, her brilliant high notes, pure tone, communicative warmth and musical intelligence," according to her biography.
Guild supporter remembered for love, dedication
Lois Sawicki, who supported various arts and education efforts in the area -- including the Toledo Opera Guild -- died recently. She was 82.
The Blade's featured obituary on the former Springfield Township woman can be found on the newspaper's website.
Mrs. Sawicki's children remembered her as instrumental to the success of husband Jerry in his real estate business and jazz saxophonist career, The Blade reported.
"Back then, the wife behind the scenes was doing a lot of the socializing and entertaining and making sure things went smoothly," daughter Lisa Holman said. "That's what she did, and she did it well."
The Sawickis were benefactors of Maumee Valley Country Day School, Central Catholic High School and St. John's Jesuit High School. St. John's music center was built with funds from their donation.
Mrs. Sawicki also supported the Toledo Opera Guild and Toledo Symphony. Her welcoming attitude is a good model for the hospitality committee formed for the Guild's upcoming Diamonds and Denim event.
"I walk up to people with a smile and I tell them my name and ask their name and ask them where they're from," Mrs. Sawicki told The Blade in 1997. "You try to be a little complimentary about their clothes, a scent, anything that would stand out."
Mrs. Sawicki died Sept. 19 at Lakes of Monclova Health Campus in Monclova Township. The cause of death was unknown; she had dementia but no other known health problems, her daughter said.
The family suggests memorial tributes be given to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter.
The Blade's featured obituary on the former Springfield Township woman can be found on the newspaper's website.
Mrs. Sawicki's children remembered her as instrumental to the success of husband Jerry in his real estate business and jazz saxophonist career, The Blade reported.
"Back then, the wife behind the scenes was doing a lot of the socializing and entertaining and making sure things went smoothly," daughter Lisa Holman said. "That's what she did, and she did it well."
The Sawickis were benefactors of Maumee Valley Country Day School, Central Catholic High School and St. John's Jesuit High School. St. John's music center was built with funds from their donation.
Mrs. Sawicki also supported the Toledo Opera Guild and Toledo Symphony. Her welcoming attitude is a good model for the hospitality committee formed for the Guild's upcoming Diamonds and Denim event.
"I walk up to people with a smile and I tell them my name and ask their name and ask them where they're from," Mrs. Sawicki told The Blade in 1997. "You try to be a little complimentary about their clothes, a scent, anything that would stand out."
Mrs. Sawicki died Sept. 19 at Lakes of Monclova Health Campus in Monclova Township. The cause of death was unknown; she had dementia but no other known health problems, her daughter said.
The family suggests memorial tributes be given to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Diamonds and Denim Nov. 8
Diamonds and Denim, a fabulous evening slated for Nov. 8, 2014, at the Toledo Club, kicks off a season of themed events that will juxtapose the brilliant glitz of diamonds with the iconic ruggedness of denim.
Come dressed in your best denim, most glittering gems, or both! The club is suspending its dress code for the evening, but guests are encouraged to be fancily clad even in jeans. Get creative!
The first 100 guests to arrive will receive a complimentary glass of champagne, provided by Soto Loft & Signature Spa, in which a gem might be a real loose diamond donated by Jeffery Mann Fine Jewelers. Guests will have their "rock" examined on site to find out who is the lucky winner.
The club's first floor will be laden with silent auction items and a fully stocked wine sale -- which will pair excellently with an exciting live auction later in the evening. Proceeds from the event, auctions and wine sale directly benefit the Toledo Opera.
Second Wind, a popular local rock 'n' roll cover band, will get those dancing feet moving in the Centennial Room, while Calvin Hughes' jazz band will help guests relax in the Red Room. Artists from Toledo Tattoo Company will offer temporary tattoos, and guests may pose for photos atop a custom Chopper motorcycle provided by Charlie's Automotive.
A grazing buffet, with an ice sculpture recognizing Ice Restaurant and Bar, will tempt your palate with cleverly themed nibbles. Tickets will be on sale to purchase drinks from the club bar.
Tickets for Diamonds and Denim are available online at brownpapertickets.com. RSVP by Oct. 29!
General admission is $50 per person. Guests may upgrade to a 1 Carat Level for $100, which includes a Feb. 11 performance of "Susannah," the first in a series of contemporary American operas planned by the Toledo Opera; or a 2 Carat Level for $200, which will include the Feb. 11 opera as well as a VIP after party Nov. 13 at Shape My Jeans.
Don't forget to check the guild's online calendar and make note of our luncheons, celebrity wait night, Phashion of the Opera show and other fun events that will carry our season-long Diamonds and Denim theme.
The Toledo Opera Guild offers deep gratitude for The Blade's continued support and encourages its members to patronize those local companies who make our events so successful.
Friday, September 5, 2014
'Lakmé' Flower Duet Featured at Valentine's Free Plaza pARTy
One of the hallmarks of performing arts in Toledo is the excellent cooperation and collaboration among the various organizations.
They play well together, one could say.
Ten of them will do so Saturday evening at the Valentine Theatre's Plaza pARTy -- including the Toledo Opera, which will present the Flower Duet from the opera "Lakmé."
For a full schedule of jazz, ballet, symphony, theater, cabaret, chorale and film performances, visit the Valentine's event page. Represented will be the Toledo Opera, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Jazz Orchestra Quartet, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Valentine cabaret players, Toledo School for the Arts, and Masterworks Chorale.
Performances will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Key Bank Outdoor Stage in the Valentine Plaza and inside the theater's Grand Lobby. There is no admission charge for Plaza pARTy. Proceeds will go to a new local Performing Arts Group Fund administered by the Toledo Community Foundation and established by the Valentine to defray costs of renting the theater.
Georgio's and Manhattan's restaurants will sell select menu items, and a full cash bar will be in the lobby with wines from Heidelberg Distributing, which also will offer a beer truck outside at the event.
The Valentine Theatre, at 410 Adams St. in downtown Toledo, raises its gorgeous red curtain on staged performances of the Toledo Opera. The Toledo Opera Guild encourages everyone to support this venue and the excellent sampling of arts it will offer Saturday at the Plaza pARTy.
They play well together, one could say.
Ten of them will do so Saturday evening at the Valentine Theatre's Plaza pARTy -- including the Toledo Opera, which will present the Flower Duet from the opera "Lakmé."
For a full schedule of jazz, ballet, symphony, theater, cabaret, chorale and film performances, visit the Valentine's event page. Represented will be the Toledo Opera, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Jazz Orchestra Quartet, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Valentine cabaret players, Toledo School for the Arts, and Masterworks Chorale.
Performances will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Key Bank Outdoor Stage in the Valentine Plaza and inside the theater's Grand Lobby. There is no admission charge for Plaza pARTy. Proceeds will go to a new local Performing Arts Group Fund administered by the Toledo Community Foundation and established by the Valentine to defray costs of renting the theater.
Georgio's and Manhattan's restaurants will sell select menu items, and a full cash bar will be in the lobby with wines from Heidelberg Distributing, which also will offer a beer truck outside at the event.
The Valentine Theatre, at 410 Adams St. in downtown Toledo, raises its gorgeous red curtain on staged performances of the Toledo Opera. The Toledo Opera Guild encourages everyone to support this venue and the excellent sampling of arts it will offer Saturday at the Plaza pARTy.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Guild President Looks Forward to Upcoming Year
A message from Cindy Niggemyer, president of the Toledo Opera Guild:
Welcome to Toledo Opera Guild’s 2014-2015 year. Last year the Guild donated $42,000 to Toledo Opera. This amount is due to our members' very hard work, because we receive minimum underwriting. Along with money, Guild members donate something very precious: their time. Our mission is: to promote opera awareness, education, company service and financial support for the Toledo Opera.
The coming year is going to be an exciting one! For the first time EVER, all our major events will be under one theme, Diamonds and Denim. Our major events will have some new and dynamic twists. So, now is the time to get those diamonds out of the drawer and dust them off. Real or fake, you have the opportunity to find a unique and creative look for our first event in November. You may mix the outlandish with denim or create an "over the top" formal look. The Guild is noted for original events, so come and join the fun.
I am pleased to announce that our fall event, Diamonds and Denim, on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Toledo Club, will be co-chaired by Bonnie Milano and Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer. They have already begun planning, and will be pleased to have more Guild members join them on the committee.
In December we will have our popular Holiday Tea arranged by Chairman Sue Rosenberg. Date and place will be announced.
On Jan. 26, Barbara Bettinger and Mary Beaber are planning another great Diamonds and Denim Celebrity Wait night at Forrester’s Wine Bar and Party Room. They are being assisted by Linda McBee, Traci Schwann and Carol Sizemore. It’s a great night, so get a table together and join the party.
Our Phashion of the Opera fashion show has become a premier show for the Toledo area, and it too will carry the Diamonds and Denim theme this year. Pam Bettinger and Joyce Stenberg are planning even more excitement with an added evening reception. They will be needing help, so please contact them for more information.
Third Vice President Barbara Baker is busy planning our four lunches for the year. The opening one will be at Inverness Club on Wednesday, Oct. 1. For the year’s schedule, please refer to the list on our website.
Everyone on the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors work hard to support Toledo Opera. Please refer to the listing of names on our website.
I encourage everyone to contact me with any suggestions for Guild improvement. It is great to have all our membership give input. This is your organization and your thoughts are appreciated and given consideration. You can contact me at artandwriting@ameritech.net. If you are not yet a member, you can download a form on our website. We love new members, so please let us know what you would like to participate in.
Welcome to Toledo Opera Guild’s 2014-2015 year. Last year the Guild donated $42,000 to Toledo Opera. This amount is due to our members' very hard work, because we receive minimum underwriting. Along with money, Guild members donate something very precious: their time. Our mission is: to promote opera awareness, education, company service and financial support for the Toledo Opera.
The coming year is going to be an exciting one! For the first time EVER, all our major events will be under one theme, Diamonds and Denim. Our major events will have some new and dynamic twists. So, now is the time to get those diamonds out of the drawer and dust them off. Real or fake, you have the opportunity to find a unique and creative look for our first event in November. You may mix the outlandish with denim or create an "over the top" formal look. The Guild is noted for original events, so come and join the fun.
I am pleased to announce that our fall event, Diamonds and Denim, on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Toledo Club, will be co-chaired by Bonnie Milano and Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer. They have already begun planning, and will be pleased to have more Guild members join them on the committee.
In December we will have our popular Holiday Tea arranged by Chairman Sue Rosenberg. Date and place will be announced.
On Jan. 26, Barbara Bettinger and Mary Beaber are planning another great Diamonds and Denim Celebrity Wait night at Forrester’s Wine Bar and Party Room. They are being assisted by Linda McBee, Traci Schwann and Carol Sizemore. It’s a great night, so get a table together and join the party.
Our Phashion of the Opera fashion show has become a premier show for the Toledo area, and it too will carry the Diamonds and Denim theme this year. Pam Bettinger and Joyce Stenberg are planning even more excitement with an added evening reception. They will be needing help, so please contact them for more information.
Third Vice President Barbara Baker is busy planning our four lunches for the year. The opening one will be at Inverness Club on Wednesday, Oct. 1. For the year’s schedule, please refer to the list on our website.
Everyone on the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors work hard to support Toledo Opera. Please refer to the listing of names on our website.
I encourage everyone to contact me with any suggestions for Guild improvement. It is great to have all our membership give input. This is your organization and your thoughts are appreciated and given consideration. You can contact me at artandwriting@ameritech.net. If you are not yet a member, you can download a form on our website. We love new members, so please let us know what you would like to participate in.
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