Double-Bill Undergraduate Opera Production
at
Undergraduate exclusive opera at SFCM is now in its second winter-term season, following last year’s success of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, and is grateful for the support of Dean Wright, who describes winter term as a chance to “broaden the scope of our students’ experiences while cultivating their curiosity and enjoyment of learning.” It was founded in 2022 by SFCM voice faculty Catherine Cook and Rhoslyn Jones.
Program
Henry Purcell: Dido and Aeneas
Nahum Tate, librettist
Jodi Goble: Meow and Forever
Basil Considine, librettist
Dido and Aeneas, an operatic retelling of the aftermath of the Trojan War and Aeneas’ visit to the island of Carthage, explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and destiny, pitting the desires of its human characters against the will of the gods and delivering an epic yet universally human exploration of its characters’ inner lives.
In contrast, Meow and Forever offers a whimsical and modern perspective on love, friendship, and the ever-enigmatic feline companions that grace our world. Goble and Considine's composition, infused with humor and charm, provides a delightful counterpoint to the historical gravity of Purcell's work.
As a pair of one-acts, Dido and Meow offer two contrasting styles of music but are tied together thematically. Both operas feature a strong female friendship and explore how that bond is tested by the advent of a new romance.
The performance promises to be a harmonious blend of classical and contemporary elements, showcasing the versatility and skill of the next generation of opera performers.
Cast
Dido and Aeneas
Jaimie Langner, Dido
Aaron Hong, Aeneas
Aaliyah Capili, Belinda
Courtney Lawrence, Second Woman/Diana/Fifth Witch
Charles McGregor, Sorcerer/Pluto
Mumtozbegim Ochilova, First Witch/Minerva
Sarah Harris, Second Witch/Flora
Yitong Wu, Third Witch/Bellona
Noelani Kawaihoa, Fourth Witch/Terra/Spirit/Mercury
Sheng Feng Chan, Sixth Witch/First Sailor/Faunus
Solomon Shumate, Seventh Witch/Sol
Meow and Forever
Marie Johnson, Bailey
Emilia Perrotta, Alex
Clara Abrahams, Asha
Jana Justus, Nala
Junzhe Zhang, Chester
Artistic Staff
Rhoslyn Jones, program director
Jodi Goble, artist-in-residence
Kyle Naig, conductor
Sergey Khalikulov, Dido and Aeneas director
Rhoslyn Jones, Meow and Forever director
Taylor Chan and Margaret Halbig, piano
Voice / Opera Studies
Opera and Musical Theatre
Rhoslyn Jones
Margaret Halbig
Sergey Khalikulov
About SFCM’s Voice Department
Find your voice—and your community. A tight-knit group, voice students work closely with all-star faculty who have performed at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Paris Opera, Milan’s La Scala, and many others. As a student at SFCM, you'll have the opportunity to regularly attend dress rehearsals at the San Francisco Opera and take advantage of performance opportunities around the Bay Area.
About SFCM’s Opera and Musical Theatre Program
The SFCM Opera and Musical Theatre program draws exceptionally talented young singers from around the world and provides them with advanced training in vocal style, acting, stage movement, and other essentials of stagecraft. Each year, SFCM produces four fully staged opera and musical theatre productions with full or chamber orchestra. Recent fully staged operas have included L’elisir d’amore, Don Giovanni, Mansfield Park, Postcard from Morocco, The Rake’s Progress, Così fan tutte, The Marriage of Figaro, and former faculty composer Conrad Susa’s Transformations. SFCM has hosted workshops for in-development opera projects such as Mason Bates’s The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs and Jake Heggie’s Great Scott.
In addition to fully staged productions, a number of scenes, programs, and other performances with piano accompaniment are presented each year. Opera students also have an opportunity to receive coaching from San Francisco Opera music staff, and to participate in productions tailored for school-age audiences in collaboration with San Francisco Opera’s Education Department.
SFCM’s Musical Theatre Workshop provides ensemble experience to singer/actors with an emphasis on American musical theatre, examining one or more musical theatre composers and their works through rehearsals and performance. Recent performances include such works as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, She Loves Me, Company, Little Women, Urinetown, and The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!).
Visiting artists have included Ryan Taylor (General Director, Minnesota Opera), Roy Rallo (Stage Director, San Francisco Opera), David Maier (Fight Director, San Francisco Opera), Barbara Scott (Improvisation Technique), Matt Chapman (Laban Technique), and Jose Luis Moscovich (General Director, West Bay Opera).
View SFCM'S Event Health and Safety Policy
As of April 1, 2023, face masks will be optional and at personal discretion for all SFCM concerts & events. Vaccinations are not required for visitors and guests to campus buildings and performances. Please visit SFCM's full Event Health & Safety policy to read more about our guidelines.