Opera Maine’s 2024 Studio Artist Program presents
Music by Ricky Ian Gordon
libretto by Mark Campbell
Conducted by Jackson McKinnon
Directed by Richard Gammon
Friday, June 28, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 2:30 p.m.
Portland Stage
pre-performance talk with Calien Lewis
post-performance conversation with Ricky Ian Gordon, Dona D. Vaughn and the cast
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS
The 2024 Studio Artist Program will present two performances of Rappahannock County which pairs the outstanding and celebrated talents of composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Mark Campbell. Rappahannock County is a theatrical song cycle that captures key emotional, sociological, and historical moments in the Civil War. Much of the text was inspired by actual events and drawn from diaries, letters, and other accounts. The narrative follows the lines of history, from secession in 1861 to defeat in 1865, and is in five parts. Although the story is centered geographically in Virginia, its themes are universal to the Civil War. It is described as such by Wes Blomster of Opera Today: “The piece has the sense of a lens closing in on a spectrum of individuals and their feelings around slavery and morality in a profound and poignant way…’ Opera Maine’s production will premiere a special score composed for two pianos.
Sung in English. 85 minutes with no intermission.
Select your seats by selecting the date from the list above.
The Mainstage has no obstructions. Row A is for accessible seating. All other rows requires climbing stairs. There are only 2 aisles in the theater; rows on the side sections end at the wall.
A $3 fee per ticket is included with all tickets purchased online, by phone, and in person.
If you are age 25 and under and wish to reserve a ticket, contact [email protected]
For questions, call 207.774.0465 BEFORE completing your order.
Opera Maine Education Outreach Young Artists present in school programs throughout Maine led by Opera Maine Teaching Artist, Dr. Malinda Haslett.
2023/2024
Nicholas Sutton
Jared Vigue
Caroline Woods
2022/2023
Mia Love, soprano
Kaleigh Hunter
Caleb Randall
2022
Daniel Laverierre, tenor
Jonas Rimkunas, tenor
March Steiger, soprano
Opera Maine’s prestigious Studio Artist program (formerly known as Young Artist Program) was inaugurated in 1996. It has evolved from being an educational activity for local music students, giving them an opportunity to sing in concert settings, to offering full fledged programs for young professionals who perform complete operas. Many of our alumni have gone on to have successful careers in major theaters nationally and internationally. Participants also have roles in Opera Maine’s mainstage production, working with Opera Maine’s Artistic Director, Dona D. Vaughn. For more information please contact Opera Maine at (207) 879-7678
Sponsored through generous donation from
Elizabeth Astor
Connie & Peter Bingham
Christie Comeau-Pierce
Ann L. Elderkin & James Bucknam
Judith Fergin
Jonathan & Catherine Finch
Kathleen Grammer
Leslie Hart & Kevin Schochat
John Hatcher & Dan Kennedy
Tim & Jackie Hart
Elizabeth Heminway
William & Mary Jean Holt
Colleen Khoury & David Karraker
Richard & Edna Krull
Vicki Labbe & Michael Doyle
Martha & Kennedy Lane
Angela LeBlanc
Darrell Leighton
Mike & Nancy Marino
Katherine & Peter Mohlin
Robert & Cynthia Macdonald
Carolyn Murray
Sarah Newick
Vincent & Anne Oliviero
Patricia Peard
Jack & Bonnie Riddle
Jacqueline Robinov
Warren & Melody Schubert
Arlene & Wilmont Schwind
John & Elizabeth Serrage
Virginia Swain
John D. Tewhey
Ogden & Franny Timpson
Charles & Joanne Yestramski
Studio Artist Productions over the years
2023–Rocking Horse Winner (William, Chatterton)
2022–The Fall of The House of Usher (Glass, Yorinks)
2021–As One (Kaminsky, Reed)
2019–Sumeida’s Song (Fairouz)
2018–Three Decembers (Heggie)
2017–An American Dream (Perla)
2016–The Medium (Menotti)
2015–Trouble in Tahiti (Bernstein)
2014–Gianni Schicchi (Puccini)
2011–Cafe Vienna (Thomas) world premiere
2010–The Impresario (Mozart) and The Night Bell (Donizetti)
2009–The Secret Marriage (Cimarosa)
2008–Too Many Sopranos (Penhorwood)
2007–La Canterina and Lo Speziale (Haydn)
2006–L’oca del Cairo (Mozart)
2005–Doctor Miracle (Bizet)
2004–Gianni Schicchi (Puccini)
2003–Rita (Donizetti) and The Telephone (Menotti)
2002–Doctor Miracle (Bizet)
2001–The Barber of Seville (Rossini)
2000–The Impresario (Mozart)
1996-1999–Concerts of arias and ensembles
Support Opera Maine’s Studio Artist Program
Many foundations, companies and individuals have provided generous support for our Studio Artist Programs. If you have an interest in doing so, please contact Caroline Koelker, Opera Maine’s Executive Director at (207) 879-7678