Read the review of the opera in the Springfield Republican  

  Act III – Keith Phares, William Hite, Alan Schneider; photo: Jon Crispin  Read the review in The Berkshire Bright Focus  

  ‘Garden of Martyrs’ opera, based on two Irish Catholic immigrants who were hanged for murder, to premiere in Northampton

Author Michael C. White comments on the opera Professor White, commenting on the experience of seeing his widely acclaimed novel staged as opera posted the following on his Facebook page after seeing the first performance.  “I was blown away by the music, the lyrics, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and the remarkable acting and singing of the professional cast. The experience… (more…)

In case you missed it – Eric, Harley and Kevin on Mass Appeal to talk about the premiere. http://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/the-garden-of-martyrs-opera

The final moments of Saturday’s run-through. This is going to be a taut and lucid production with world-class cast, the leading orchestra and maestro of our area, and dozens of years of collective opera experience in action.

Librettist Harley Erdman introduces the Opera

Run-through #2 felt comfortable and tight, coming in at just over the projected running time of 2 hours. Attention is going toward underlining transitional nuances, such flashbacks within flashbacks, e.g. the handcuffed convicts in the flashback trial speaking in the memory of witnesses.  Memory for all the words and notes is becoming quite secure for the cast, a virtuosic feat… (more…)

First run-through last night! It ran smoothly and helped us start to focus on pacing and transitions. The cast helps out with scene changes – each piece of furniture needs someone to move it, usually in a matter of seconds. Keith was back on his feet and (knock wood) is making a rapid recovery. The cast and chorus sound terrific… (more…)