Rimrock Opera Company
The mission of Rimrock Opera is to enhance the cultural life of this region and to make opera available to everyone by providing high quality opera productions, outreach presentations and educational programming.
Description:
RIMROCK OPERA CELEBRATES FIRST DECADE
Rimrock Opera capped its tenth year with a sizzling production of Bizet’s Carmen this spring. The company announces its tenth anniversary gala in September with the outrageous comedic mayhem of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. General Director Douglas Nagel chose to reprise Rossini’s joyous comedy in tribute to the inaugural show that launched Rimrock Opera.
Famous for his role as Figaro, the late Pablo Elvira spent weeks in Billings working with the founders of Rimrock Opera Company. They assembled a cast of well-known regional singers, and a 30-piece orchestra, under the baton of the late Maestro Giampaolo Bracali, Roman native and Manhattan School of Music faculty member. With Elvira singing Figaro, The Barber of Seville sprang to life on the stage of the Alberta Bair Theater, a dream come true after two years of planning by the founders and local opera fans, with strong business support. Around 1600 attended the two debut performances in November, 1999.
Nagel, a Billings native then with San Jose Opera, shone in the role of Dr. Bartolo, and days after the opera’s resounding success, was asked by the Rimrock Opera board to become its first artistic director. In the ensuing ten years under Nagel’s leadership, the company has consistently offered high quality productions, becoming a vital cultural institution in the Billings region. Its outreach programs cover schools throughout Montana and northern Wyoming. Its youth division, Rimrock Opera Chorus for Kids (ROCK), has served approximately 80 young performers per academic year since 2004, with training, performances and a week long camp.
Rimrock Opera was chosen by composer Alva Henderson to produce the world premiere performance of Nosferatu, an opera based on the legend of Count Dracula. The librettist is Dana Gioia, now chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Two performances of Nosferatu were given in November, 2004 at the Alberta Bair Theater with Nagel in the title role and Maestra Barbara Day Turner conducting. Ellen Gundunas and Robert McPherson also starred, both of whom have achieved stellar careers. According to opera tradition, at any performance of Nosferatu anywhere in the world, the program must indicate that its premiere was by Rimrock Opera in Billings, Montana, along with the date.
Centerpiece of the tenth anniversary celebration, The Barber of Seville plays at the Alberta Bair Theater on September 26 and 27. Billings natives, baritone Chris Johnson as Figaro and Lisa Lombardy as Rosina, lead the cast. In the spring 2010 production, Jeff Kitto and Amy Logan drive the tragic plot of Puccini’s La bohème to its bittersweet conclusion. The show runs April 24 and 25. More information is on the company’s website, www.rimrockopera.org.
History:
Rimrock Opera, established in 1999, provides high quality opera productions and makes opera available to everyone
Under General Director Douglas Nagel’s leadership, the company has consistently brought world famous operas to the stage of the Alberta Bair Theater twice each year. Nationally and internationally known artists and conductors are brought in to lead casts of local singers and musicians. Rimrock Opera has become a vital cultural institution in the Billings region. Its outreach program of touring shows covers schools throughout Montana and northern Wyoming. A musical comedy with a health message, "The Night Harry Stopped Smoking," reached over 20,000 area elementary school students. Rimrock Opera Chorus for Kids (ROCK), has served approximately 80 young performers per academic year since 2004, with training, public performances, and a weeklong camp. Information about the opera company is available at its website, www.rimrockopera.org or by phone, 406-671-2214.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (406) 245-2161
Address:
 |
P.o. Box 11
Billings , MT 59103 |
Web Site: http://www.rimrockopera.org
| Last updated on November 17, 2009 |
