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Orchestra David Holley, conductor Violin Bassoon Janet Orenstein, concertmaster Rebecca Hammontree Colleen Chenail Heather Kelly* Eve Hubbard Amanda Judd Horn Amanda Matthews Tiffany Woods Jane York Tara Cates* Viola Trumpet Scott Rawls Mark Hibshman Diane Phoenix-Neal Scott Toth* Cello Trombone Beth Vanderborgh Andrew Judd* Gina Pezzoli Percussion Bass Amanda Swift Rebecca Marland Harp Flute/Piccolo Bonnie Bach Deborah Egekvist Clarinet *McIver Tribute only Luc Jackman Shawn Copeland* Production Staff Technical Director/Lighting Designer ................................................................. James R. Hullihan Assistant Technical Director .................................................................................... Jeff Neubauer Production Manager ............................................................................................ Janet R. Hullihan Light Board Operator ........................................................................................... Cana Gyongyos Flyrail Operators ......................................................................................................... Chris Carey Nick Meininger Property Masters ........................................................................................................ Beth Hurley Meagan Jolliffe Sound Engineers ............................................................................................................ Ben King Jennifer Szescula Stage Crew Gini Benson Sammy Brooks Kyle Harrington Alicia Jordan Daryl Keeter Ryan McNaughton Jason O'Dell Justin Peavey Sarah Post Jenifer Root Shannon Simmons Logan Stanfield Logan West Patrons are encouraged to take note of the exits located on all levels of the auditorium. In an emergency, please use the nearest exit, which may be behind you or different from the one through which you entered. Patrons are requested to turn off all watch alarms, beepers, or cellular telephones. If you are expecting a call, please inform the house manager in the Auditorium lobby and leave your beeper or telephone with him/her. The house manager will note your seat location and notify you in case of a call. The use of audio or video recording devices, as well as photography of any kind, is strictly prohibited. Thank you. and present Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti with A Tribute to William W. McIver November 19-21, 2004 Aycock Auditorium The UNCG Musical Arts Guild and School of Music present Musical Arts Guild Amahl and the Night Visitors Music and Text by Gian-Carlo Menotti By arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner Producer/Musical Director/Conductor ......................................................................... David Holley Technical Director/Lighting Designer ................................................................. James R. Hullihan Stage Director ............................................................................................ Louisa Gabriele Muller Assistant to the Director .................................................................................. Marina DeRatmiroff Scene Designer ..................................................................................................... Robert Hansen Costume Designer .................................................................................................... Deborah Bell Choreographer..........................................................................................................John Gamble Chorus Master .............................................................................................................. Eric Poole Repetiteur ................................................................................................................Betsi Hodges Cast (in order of vocal appearance) Mother .................................................................................................................. Sandra Cotton+ Melanie Austin Crump* Meghann L. Vaughn** Amahl ..................................................................................................................... Hiram Poplin+ Andrew Griner* Andrés Ballesteros** Kaspar ..................................................................................................................... Dustin Ousley Melchior ................................................................................................................. Steven Martin+ Brad Fugate* Balthazar ................................................................................................................. Neal Sharpe+ James McClure* The Page ............................................................................................................... Timothy Cook+ Logan Haggard* +11/19 and 11/21 performances *11/20 and Student Matinee performance ** Student Matinee performance Dancers Aymen Robertson, Jennifer Sherman, Ashley West Shepherds and Shepherdesses Winnona Borawski Alison Wann Emily Laurel Boone Lila Yasin Meredith Budlong Jack Callaham Cathy Crotty Timothy Cook Meghan Dunham Jesse Darden Melita Etienne Hayden Cedric Dawes Jennifer Glymph Josquin Dejean Heather Grigg James A.M. Easteppe Erica Honeycutt Maurio Hines Amy Jerva Michael D. Lindsay, Jr. Ginger Jones Luke Mitchell Iloria Phoenix Andrew Oliver Becky Robinson Stuart Scott Ellen Louise Swanson Shawn Weisner Brandy Elaine Toler Eric Worthington Intermission “A Tribute William W. McIver” Cast biographies Melissa Brobeck (“Ain’t it a Pretty Night”), soprano, is a second-year Master of Music student in the studio of Charles Lynam. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Dr. William McIver. Last spring, Melissa sang the title role in Carlisle Floyd's Susannah with the UNCG Opera Theatre. She sends her love to Dana, Matthew, Jonathan, Bob, and Karen. Brian Carter (“Nessun dorma”) has gained national attention as a tenor with Wagnerian potential since graduating from UNCG in 2001. A student of renowned soprano Jane Eaglen, he recently completed his second season with San Francisco Opera Company’s Merola Opera Program, performing in scenes from Die Walküre, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Idomeneo, and Der Freischütz, as well as a mainstage role as the Devil in Angélique. In addition, he received a grant and performed in concert as part of the Emerging Singers Program of the Wagner Society of Washington DC, under the direction of Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart. Mr. Carter is a past winner of the North Carolina District Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions. Charles Lynam (“Lord God of Abraham”) received the BA in Music Education from Elon College and the MA in Music Education from New York University. Advanced graduate study has included work at Indiana University with Dorothy Mansky, Paul Matthen, and Ralph Apelmann, as well as training with Hans Heinz in New York City and Erika Buchmann in Heidelburg, Germany. Lynam has performed extensively in recital, oratorio, opera, and orchestral concerts. He was the recipient of a UNCG Alumni Teaching Excellence Award in 1979 and was named Teacher of the Year in the School of Music for 1999. Many of his students have fared well in vocal competitions at the local, district, regional, and national levels (particularly in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and are now successful professional singers; numerous others are teaching at leading colleges and universities. Jaime Gamroth (“Not While I’m Around”) completed her BM in Vocal Performance at the Eastman School of Music in 2001, where she studied with Robert H. McIver and appeared in the New York premiere of David Liptak’s opera The Moon Singer. Other stage credits include Despina in UNCG Opera Theatre’s Così fan tutte, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and appearances in Cats and Singin’ in the Rain. In her second year of the MM in Vocal Performance at UNCG, she studies with Charles Lynam and enjoys teaching voice and winning karaoke contests. Jamie thanks Josh, Melissa, and her parents for their love and support. Rosemary Rohrman (“To This We’ve Come”), soprano, came to UNCG after completing her BM at UNC Chapel Hill, where she sang Lady Billows in Albert Herring and the Monitor in Suor Angelica. Originally from Charlotte, Rosemary is in the second year of her MM in Voice and studies with Jim Baumgardner. Other performing credits include appeareances as a soloist in Barber’s Prayers of Kierkegaard in Chapel Hill and the role of the Florentine Woman in Mark Bucci’s Tale for a Deaf Ear with Long Leaf Opera. Meghann L. Vaughn (Mahler songs) has sung several roles with the UNCG Opera Theatre, including the Third Lady in Mozart’s Magic Flute, one of the four Voices in Adamo’s Little Women, and most recently Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah. A member of the UNCG Chamber Singers and a Senior Vocal Performance major from Stokesdale, North Carolina, she attended Song Fest 2004 in Malibu, CA last summer. In May of 2005, Ms. Vaughn will sing the role of Martha in Gounod’s Faust with Capitol Opera in Raleigh. Dustin Ousley (Kaspar) is a second year MM student in Choral Conducting from Simpsonville, South Carolina. A member of Chamber Singers, he was last seen at UNCG as Little Bat and Elder Hayes in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. He has been involved in many community theatre productions with South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Greenville Little Theatre, and the Opera Theatre at Furman University, where he earned his BA degree in Music. He performed last summer as Jamie Lockhart in The Robber Bridegroom with the Thomasville City School District, and just finished as Music Director/Conductor for Lexington Youth Theatre’s production of Annie. Eric Poole (Chorus Master) is a graduate of North Carolina A&T and Howard Universities, where he received the BA and MM degrees, respectively. Upon completion of graduate studies in 1991, he accepted an appointment as Assistant Conductor of the Howard University Choir. Eric returned to his alma mater in 1993 as Conductor of the A&T University Choir and Instructor of Music. Currently the principal conductor of the Men’s Glee Club at UNCG, while pursuing his DMA in Choral Conducting. Mr. Poole has taught choral music at Andrews and Eastern Guilford High Schools. Hiram Poplin (Amahl), age 11, is the son of Tom and Jilda Poplin of Jonesville, NC, and a sixth grade student at Elkin Elementary School. Hiram has been playing in hometown productions since the age of 7. His three latest roles were the title role in Oliver at the Surry Arts Council, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz at the Foothills Arts Council, and Joe Crowell in Our Town at the Foothills Arts Council. Hiram plays clarinet in the school band, and he studies piano, voice, dance, and art. His favorite pastime is playing with his six brothers on the family farm in Yadkin County. Marina De Ratmiroff (Assistant to the Director) comes to UNCG from UNC Wilmington where she earned her BA in Vocal Performance. While in Wilmington, she performed the roles of the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Olympia in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and Norina in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. Ms. De Ratmiroff most recently performed the role of the First Lady in Die Zauberflöte at Opera Festival di Roma. In her spare time, she likes to surf and play volleyball. Neal Sharpe (Balthazar) is a sophomore Vocal Performance major from Graham, North Carolina. A member of University Chorale and Men’s Glee Club, he was last seen as an ensemble member in the UNCG Opera Theatre production of Floyd’s Susannah. Other performing credits for Mr. Sharpe include as an ensemble member in Greensboro Opera’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor, as Danny in Grease, Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lyle and Cowboy Bob in Footlose, and Lamar in Godspell. Mr. Sharpe is Director of Music at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Meghann L. Vaughn (Mother) has sung several roles with the UNCG Opera Theatre, including the Third Lady in Mozart’s Magic Flute, one of the four Voices in Adamo’s Little Women, and most recently Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah. A member of the UNCG Chamber Singers and a senior Vocal Performance major from Stokesdale, North Carolina, she attended Song Fest 2004 in Malibu, CA last summer. In May of 2005, Ms. Vaughn will sing the role of Martha in Gounod’s Faust with Capitol Opera in Raleigh. A Tribute to William W. McIver "Lord God of Abraham" from Elijah (Felix Mendelssohn) Charles Lynam, baritone "Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder" "Ich atmet' einem linden Duft" "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen" from "Rückert Lieder” (Gustav Mahler) Meghann L.Vaughn, mezzo-soprano "Ain't it a Pretty Night" from Susannah (Carlisle Floyd) Melissa Brobeck, soprano "To This We've Come" from The Consul (Gian-Carlo Menotti) Rosemary Rohrman, soprano "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd (Stephen Sondheim) Jaime Gamroth, soprano "Nessun dorma" from Turandot (Giacomo Puccini) Brian Carter, tenor (accompanied by the women of the Amahl chorus) — — Special Thanks Charles Angel Neil Shepherd Jody Cauthen Carolina Voices Dianna Carter Ann Doyle Butch Sutton Joe Gardner Deborah Bell Jan Hullihan Dr. Cort McClaren Chris English Stephanie Cordick Sandy Beam Dr. John J. Deal Richard Hicks Brian French Fred Lopp Dr. Deborah Egekvist Richard Cook Aurelia Hepler Myra Feldman Tiffany Aumann Wyndell Earles Michael Kelly Brenda Boyce Jeff Neubauer Yong Im Lee Phi Mu Alpha Rev. Charles Zimmerman John Wolf Dana McIver Dr. Carol Marsh Rosemary Kuhlmann Jessica Van Ord Bob Cavin Sherri MacCheyne Steve Gilliam Moore Music Laura Holley William Murphy Stephanie Elkins Kathleen McGirty The Music Academy of North Carolina The Story of Amahl Amahl is a crippled shepherd boy of twelve who lives with his mother, an impoverished widow, in a nearly empty hut. They face a bleak future with little food to eat or wood for fire. The three Wise Men, on their way to Bethlehem, stop at the hut and request lodging for the night. Amahl and his mother welcome them and offer to share what little they have. They are astonished at the splendor of the Kings’ robes and the gifts being brought to the newborn child, whom the mother, in her mind, identifies with her own son. The shepherds, led by Amahl, approach and offer gifts and dances for the Kings. Following the departure of the shepherds, all retire for the night. The mother sings of the unfairness of the gifts going to a child who the Kings do not know, when she has a child who is starving. Under cover of darkness, while the three Kings are asleep, the mother steals some of the gold and is caught in the act by the Page. Amahl awakens and comes to her defense, beating on the Page and urging the Kings to intercede. Melchior says that she may keep the gold since the Child they seek has no need of it. The mother is moved by Melchior’s description of the Child and returns the gold while lamenting that she does not have a gift of her own to give. Amahl offers his crutch which he lifts and, in so doing, takes a step without it. The Kings give thanks to God for this miracle, and Amahl convinces his mother that he should go with the Kings to present the crutch to the Child himself. As dawn approaches, Amahl sets off with the Kings, and, as the procession moves away, he plays on his pipe the tune with which the opera began. — — Notes What accounts for the popularity of Amahl over fifty years after its premiere on NBC television on December 24, 1951? It continues to receive more performances than almost any other standard contemporary opera. I would imagine that the circumstances under which it was first presented have something to do with its continuing popularity. Rather than a premiere attended by a few hundred or even several thousand, the Hallmark Hall of Fame was watched by millions in 1951 and the following seven years when the opera was given live televised performances. Few, if any, operas have been afforded such a launching. But beyond that first decade, it has continued to hold the imagination of a public, that, I suspect, wants desperately to believe the opera’s essential message of hope. Amahl’s crippled leg does not prevent his portrayal as one to whom both parents and children can relate and empathize. The widowed mother’s unswerving love for her son, even in the midst of poverty and his tendency to fabricate stories, is as poignant and relevant today as when it was written. Certainly the opera’s brevity and reduced forces expand both the potential audience, through its appeal to children, and the number of groups that can successfully mount a production of Amahl. But beyond these factors, I remain convinced that Gian-Carlo Menotti has fashioned a miniature masterpiece that holds our attention dramatically and lifts our spirits musically…all around a central theme that suggests that it is through giving that we receive. Do you believe in miracles? -William W. McIver Betsi Hodges (Repetiteur) originally from St. Louis, MO, received her Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and her Master’s degree from Michigan State University, both in piano performance. Her teachers have included Ralph Votapek, Barry Snyder, Thomas Schumacher, and Jane Allen. During the summers, she has participated in festivals such as Banff and the International Institute for the Arts in Moscow, Russia. She has appeared as soloist with the Michigan State Philharmonic and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she teaches piano at Guilford College and at the Music Academy of North Carolina, and is an active accompanist in the Greensboro area. David Holley (Producer/Musical Director/Conductor) is the Director of Opera at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his productions have won awards in the National Opera Association Opera Production Competition including first place for Orpheus in the Underworld (2001), The Consul (2000), Dialogues of the Carmelites (1997), Amahl and the Night Visitors (1996), and Don Giovanni (1994). An active performer, as well, recent engagements include Don José opposite Luretta Bybee and Herbert Perry (directed by David Morelock) with The Lyric Opera of Waco, as well as Pinkerton with Nikki Li Hartliep (also in Waco). At the Brevard Music Center, where he served as Resident Tenor and Stage Director from 1994-2001, he sang Don José (directed by Jonathon Field), Hoffmann, Cavaradossi, Turiddu, and Pinkerton (among others) and the tenor solos in the Verdi Requiem and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. In January, Mr. Holley will guest direct The Magic Flute at Baylor University. Steven J. Martin (Melchior) is a senior Vocal Performance major from Madison, North Carolina. A member of the UNCG Chamber Singers, he is no stranger to Amahl. Mr. Martin performed the title role in the UNCG’s Amahl in 1995 and 1996, and was the Page in 2002. He has performed as an ensemble member in Greensboro Opera’s La Bohème, and UNCG Opera Theatre productions of The Magic Flute and The Pirates of Penzance. Mr. Martin won first place in the Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS auditions and placed third in the North Carolina NATS competition. James A. McClure (Balthazar) is a first year MM student in Vocal Performance from Charlotte, North Carolina. A member of University Chorale, his past performing credits include a solo engagement with the Brevard Chamber Orchestra and Betto in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi at Appalachian State University, where he was a winner of the Concerto Aria Competition. Mr. McClure has placed in his divisions of the North Carolina State and Mid-Atlantic Region NATS auditions. He received his BM in Vocal Performance from Appalachian State University. Louisa Gabriele Muller (Stage Director), from Salem, OR, is a second year MM student at UNCG, where she has been seen in Little Women and Susannah. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Theatre and Music from Lawrence University, where she directed She Loves Me and The Office, assistant directed Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica, and stage-managed Anna Karenina. She has completed internships at Seattle Opera and the Lark Theatre Company in NYC. Ms. Muller spent last summer as an Apprentice Stage Director at Opera North, where she directed La Serva Padrona (Act II), assistant directed Roméo et Juliette, and assistant stage managed A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She will return to Opera North in May to direct their outreach opera. — continued Amahl Cast and Staff Biographies Andrés Ballesteros (Amahl) was born in Paducah, Kentucky and now resides in High Point, North Carolina. An eighth grade student at Aycock Middle School, he is also a member of the Greensboro Youth Chorus. Aside from singing, Andrés is a Boy Scout, plays in the school orchestra and band, and plays piano. He also enjoys math, soccer and collects coins. Timothy Cook (The Page) is a freshman choral education major from Salisbury, North Carolina. He is a member of University Chorale and Men’s Glee Club. Mr. Cook performed as a soloist with the National Youth Chorus in New York’s Carnegie Hall, as well as in his high school’s “Broadway Revue” performances for four years. A student of Dr. Robert Bracey, he also enjoys sketching and design, and playing racquetball. Sandra Cotton (Mother) has performed the roles of Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah, Sally in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, the title role in scenes from Rossini’s La Cenerentola, and Cherubino in scenes from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, all at UNCG, where she is pursing her DMA. She received a BM from Northern Arizona University, a MM from UNCG and a MA in German Studies from Duke University. Ms. Cotton will play Siebel in Gounod’s Faust with Capitol Opera in Raleigh in May of 2005. Melanie Austin Crump (Mother) originally hails from Colfax, North Carolina and is in the DMA program at UNCG. She holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education, and a MM in performance from Appalachian State, where she appeared on a Voice Recital of Distinction, was a winner of the Concerto-Aria competition and sang the title character in Suor Angelica. At UNCG, Melanie also sings with the University Chorale. Brad Fugate (Melchior) is a second year DMA student in Vocal Performance from Elkin, North Carolina. Making his debut with UNCG Opera, his past performing credits include Arcetro in Peri’s Euridice with Longy Early Opera in Boston, Spirit in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with New Trinity Baroque in Atlanta, and Jesus in Schwartz’s Godspell with High Point Theatre. Mr. Fugate can also be heard on recordings by the Edition Lilac and Arsis record labels. He holds a BM in Music Education from Furman University, a MM in Choral Conducting from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and has done post-graduate studies in Vocal Performance at Florida State University. Andrew Joseph Griner Jr. (Amahl) is a Greensboro native and a student at Morehead Elementary School of Expressive Arts. He is a member of the Greensboro Youth Chorus and the Canticle Choir at First Presbyterian Church. Last month, Andrew attended the Montreat music and worship conference. He is an energetic eleven year old full of life who enjoys his family, his school, his church, and his cat Elijah. Logan Haggard (The Page) is a sophomore Vocal Performance major from Seymour, Tennessee. A member of University Chorale and Men’s Glee Club, he was last seen in the UNCG Opera Theatre’s production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. Logan studies with Dr. Robert Bracey and placed first in his division of the 2004 North Carolina NATS auditions. William W. McIver 1942-2003 William McIver was born in Williamsport, PA into a musical family. At age nine, while at the Columbus Boychoir School (now the American Boychoir), he auditioned for the title role of Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti. He won the role and performed the opera live on NBC television from 1952-1955. He performed Yniold in Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande at the New York City Opera. Despite his performing success, when asked in an interview at age ten if he wanted to be an opera singer, he replied that he wanted to teach. When approached to sing in the Broadway musical Fanny, his father turned down the role because Bill wanted to stay home and play more baseball. His musical interests led him to Oberlin, where he received degrees from both the Conservatory and the College. Chief among his mentors was noted author and teacher Richard Miller, who became a lifelong friend. On his junior year abroad, studying at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, he met Dana Weigel, and after having broken up three times “for good and for always,” they were married in 1967. While Dana pursued a Masters degree in German from the University of Wisconsin, Bill earned a MM at the University of Illinois. They both attended West Virginia University, where Bill received his DMA and Dana earned another Masters degree. After filling in for his father, Walter McIver, for one semester at Lycoming College, Bill’s career began in earnest at UNCG, where he taught for twenty nine years. Chairman of the vocal division for eight years and acting Dean of the School of Music in 1983-1984, Bill was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1996. During his tenure at UNCG, he conducted the Women’s Glee Club and Women’s Choir, established the Vocal Pedagogy program, and was the stage director for our production of Amahl for its first four years, from 1993-1996. A most important association was with First Lutheran Church in Greensboro, where he served first as Music Director and then as Chancel Choir Director from 1971 until 1998. One of the highlights was his partnership with Dana, who began as organist and then assumed the role of Music Director. Under Bill’s leadership, the choir performed major works by Brahms, Rutter, Mendelssohn, Britten, Duruflé, Vivaldi, Handel and Bach. In his twenty-fifth year, the church commissioned an anthem in his honor, based on Micah 6:6-8, one of his favorite texts. In 1998, Bill joined the faculty of the Eastman School of Music, where his brother Bob and college classmate Carol Weber also teach, and he established the graduate program in Vocal Pedagogy. His students from both Eastman and UNCG have sung at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as opera houses in Europe and apprentice programs throughout the United States and Canada. Bill served the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in many capacities, from the local level to the National Presidency. He was a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), where he served on the Pedagogy and Editorial Committees. He published articles in the Journal of Singing and the American Music Teachers Journal. He gave workshops and master classes nationally and internationally, including at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. We dedicate this evening to his loving memory. — — Gustav Mahler: Rückert Lieder Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder! Meine Augen schlag’ ich nieder, Wie ertappt auf böser Tat. Selber darf ich nicht getrauen, Ihrem Waschen zuzuschauen. Diene Neugier is Verrat! Bienen, wenn sie Zellen bauen, Laßen auch nicht zu sich schauen, Schauen selbst auch nicht zu. Wenn die reichen Honigwaben Sie zu Tag gefördert haben, Dann vor allen nasche du! Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft Im Zimmer stand Ein Zweig der Linde, Ein Angebinde Von lieber Hand. Wie lieblich war der Lindenduft! Wie lieblich ist der Lindenduft, Das Lindenreis Do not try to read my songs! See, my own eyes I cast down As though found out in doing wrong. I myself may not presume To intrude into their growing. Your curiosity is betrayal! Bees, when they construct their cells, Do not let their work be watched, Neither do they watch themselves. Only when the honeycombs Are brought to the light of day May their sweetness you enjoy! I breathed in a fragrance soft and sweet A bough of lime Stood in the room, A gift received From loving hand. How lovely was the lime-flower scent! How lovely is the lime-flower scent, The lime-tree twig, Brachst du gelinde! Ich atme leis Im Duft der Linde Der Liebe linden Duft. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen Mit der ich sonst viele Zeit verdorben; Sie hat so lange nichts von mir vernommen, Sie mag wohl glauben, ich sei gestorben! Es ist mir auch gar nichts daran gelegen, Ob sie mich für gestorben hält. Ich kann auch gar nichts sagen dagegen, Denn wirklich bin ich gestorben der Welt. Ich bin gestorben dem Weltgetümmel Und ruh’ in einem stillen Gebiet. Ich leb’ allein in meinem Himmel, In meinem Lieben, in meinem Lied. You gently plucked! I softly breathe The fragrant lime, The fragrant scent of love. I have become a stranger to the world I have become a stranger to the world Where once I used to watse a lot of time; It has so long now nothing heard of me, It may well think that I have died! Indeed, I am not much concerned Whether it believes me dead, I cannot even contradict it, For really, I am dead to the world. I have renounced the worldly bustle And live in peace at a quiet place. I live alone in this, my heaven, In my love, in my songs. — — Giacomo Puccini: Nessun dorma from Turandot Nessun dorma, Nessun dorma! No one sleeps! No one sleeps! Tu pure, o Principessa, You too, O Princess! Nella tua fredda stanza, In your chaste room Guardi le stelle Are watching the stars which Che tremano d'amore e di speranza. Tremble with love and hope! Ma il mio mistero e chiuso in me, But my secret lies hidden within me, Il nome mio nessun sapra! No one shall discover my name! No, no, sulla tua bocca lo diro' Oh no, I will reveal it only on your lips, Quando la luce splendera'! When daylight shines forth Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio And my kiss shall break Che ti fa mia! The silence which makes you mine! (Il nome suo nessun saprà! (No one shall discover my name! E noi dovrem, ahime, morir!) And we will have to die!) Dilegua, o notte! Depart, oh night! Tramontate, stelle! Fade away, you stars! All'alba vincero'! At dawn I shall win! The UNCG Opera Theatre is proud to announce our Spring 2005 Season: A Night at the New Stadium: The Mighty Casey March 16 & 17, 2005 The UNCG School of Music and the Greensboro Grasshoppers invite you to the new downtown stadium for an evening of fun, food, music and sports!
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Title | 2004-11-19 Amahl and the Night Visitors [recital program] |
Date | 2004 |
Creator | University of North Carolina at Greensboro. School of Music, Theatre and Dance |
Subject headings |
University of North Carolina at Greensboro. School of Music, Theatre and Dance University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
Place | Greensboro (N.C.) |
Description | Fall 2004 programs for recitals by students in the UNCG School of Music. |
Type | Text |
Original format | programs |
Original publisher | Greensboro N.C.: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
Contributing institution | Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries |
Source collection | UA9.2 School of Music Performances -- Programs and Recordings, 1917-2007 |
Series/grouping | 1: Programs |
Finding aid link | https://libapps.uncg.edu/archon/index.php?p=collections/controlcard&id=608 |
Rights statement | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/ |
Additional rights information | NO COPYRIGHT - UNITED STATES. This item has been determined to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. The user is responsible for determining actual copyright status for any reuse of the material. |
Object ID | UA009.002.BD.2004FA.999 |
Digital publisher | The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University Libraries, PO Box 26170, Greensboro NC 27402-6170, 336.334.5304 |
Full Text | Orchestra David Holley, conductor Violin Bassoon Janet Orenstein, concertmaster Rebecca Hammontree Colleen Chenail Heather Kelly* Eve Hubbard Amanda Judd Horn Amanda Matthews Tiffany Woods Jane York Tara Cates* Viola Trumpet Scott Rawls Mark Hibshman Diane Phoenix-Neal Scott Toth* Cello Trombone Beth Vanderborgh Andrew Judd* Gina Pezzoli Percussion Bass Amanda Swift Rebecca Marland Harp Flute/Piccolo Bonnie Bach Deborah Egekvist Clarinet *McIver Tribute only Luc Jackman Shawn Copeland* Production Staff Technical Director/Lighting Designer ................................................................. James R. Hullihan Assistant Technical Director .................................................................................... Jeff Neubauer Production Manager ............................................................................................ Janet R. Hullihan Light Board Operator ........................................................................................... Cana Gyongyos Flyrail Operators ......................................................................................................... Chris Carey Nick Meininger Property Masters ........................................................................................................ Beth Hurley Meagan Jolliffe Sound Engineers ............................................................................................................ Ben King Jennifer Szescula Stage Crew Gini Benson Sammy Brooks Kyle Harrington Alicia Jordan Daryl Keeter Ryan McNaughton Jason O'Dell Justin Peavey Sarah Post Jenifer Root Shannon Simmons Logan Stanfield Logan West Patrons are encouraged to take note of the exits located on all levels of the auditorium. In an emergency, please use the nearest exit, which may be behind you or different from the one through which you entered. Patrons are requested to turn off all watch alarms, beepers, or cellular telephones. If you are expecting a call, please inform the house manager in the Auditorium lobby and leave your beeper or telephone with him/her. The house manager will note your seat location and notify you in case of a call. The use of audio or video recording devices, as well as photography of any kind, is strictly prohibited. Thank you. and present Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti with A Tribute to William W. McIver November 19-21, 2004 Aycock Auditorium The UNCG Musical Arts Guild and School of Music present Musical Arts Guild Amahl and the Night Visitors Music and Text by Gian-Carlo Menotti By arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner Producer/Musical Director/Conductor ......................................................................... David Holley Technical Director/Lighting Designer ................................................................. James R. Hullihan Stage Director ............................................................................................ Louisa Gabriele Muller Assistant to the Director .................................................................................. Marina DeRatmiroff Scene Designer ..................................................................................................... Robert Hansen Costume Designer .................................................................................................... Deborah Bell Choreographer..........................................................................................................John Gamble Chorus Master .............................................................................................................. Eric Poole Repetiteur ................................................................................................................Betsi Hodges Cast (in order of vocal appearance) Mother .................................................................................................................. Sandra Cotton+ Melanie Austin Crump* Meghann L. Vaughn** Amahl ..................................................................................................................... Hiram Poplin+ Andrew Griner* Andrés Ballesteros** Kaspar ..................................................................................................................... Dustin Ousley Melchior ................................................................................................................. Steven Martin+ Brad Fugate* Balthazar ................................................................................................................. Neal Sharpe+ James McClure* The Page ............................................................................................................... Timothy Cook+ Logan Haggard* +11/19 and 11/21 performances *11/20 and Student Matinee performance ** Student Matinee performance Dancers Aymen Robertson, Jennifer Sherman, Ashley West Shepherds and Shepherdesses Winnona Borawski Alison Wann Emily Laurel Boone Lila Yasin Meredith Budlong Jack Callaham Cathy Crotty Timothy Cook Meghan Dunham Jesse Darden Melita Etienne Hayden Cedric Dawes Jennifer Glymph Josquin Dejean Heather Grigg James A.M. Easteppe Erica Honeycutt Maurio Hines Amy Jerva Michael D. Lindsay, Jr. Ginger Jones Luke Mitchell Iloria Phoenix Andrew Oliver Becky Robinson Stuart Scott Ellen Louise Swanson Shawn Weisner Brandy Elaine Toler Eric Worthington Intermission “A Tribute William W. McIver” Cast biographies Melissa Brobeck (“Ain’t it a Pretty Night”), soprano, is a second-year Master of Music student in the studio of Charles Lynam. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Dr. William McIver. Last spring, Melissa sang the title role in Carlisle Floyd's Susannah with the UNCG Opera Theatre. She sends her love to Dana, Matthew, Jonathan, Bob, and Karen. Brian Carter (“Nessun dorma”) has gained national attention as a tenor with Wagnerian potential since graduating from UNCG in 2001. A student of renowned soprano Jane Eaglen, he recently completed his second season with San Francisco Opera Company’s Merola Opera Program, performing in scenes from Die Walküre, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Idomeneo, and Der Freischütz, as well as a mainstage role as the Devil in Angélique. In addition, he received a grant and performed in concert as part of the Emerging Singers Program of the Wagner Society of Washington DC, under the direction of Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart. Mr. Carter is a past winner of the North Carolina District Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions. Charles Lynam (“Lord God of Abraham”) received the BA in Music Education from Elon College and the MA in Music Education from New York University. Advanced graduate study has included work at Indiana University with Dorothy Mansky, Paul Matthen, and Ralph Apelmann, as well as training with Hans Heinz in New York City and Erika Buchmann in Heidelburg, Germany. Lynam has performed extensively in recital, oratorio, opera, and orchestral concerts. He was the recipient of a UNCG Alumni Teaching Excellence Award in 1979 and was named Teacher of the Year in the School of Music for 1999. Many of his students have fared well in vocal competitions at the local, district, regional, and national levels (particularly in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and are now successful professional singers; numerous others are teaching at leading colleges and universities. Jaime Gamroth (“Not While I’m Around”) completed her BM in Vocal Performance at the Eastman School of Music in 2001, where she studied with Robert H. McIver and appeared in the New York premiere of David Liptak’s opera The Moon Singer. Other stage credits include Despina in UNCG Opera Theatre’s Così fan tutte, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and appearances in Cats and Singin’ in the Rain. In her second year of the MM in Vocal Performance at UNCG, she studies with Charles Lynam and enjoys teaching voice and winning karaoke contests. Jamie thanks Josh, Melissa, and her parents for their love and support. Rosemary Rohrman (“To This We’ve Come”), soprano, came to UNCG after completing her BM at UNC Chapel Hill, where she sang Lady Billows in Albert Herring and the Monitor in Suor Angelica. Originally from Charlotte, Rosemary is in the second year of her MM in Voice and studies with Jim Baumgardner. Other performing credits include appeareances as a soloist in Barber’s Prayers of Kierkegaard in Chapel Hill and the role of the Florentine Woman in Mark Bucci’s Tale for a Deaf Ear with Long Leaf Opera. Meghann L. Vaughn (Mahler songs) has sung several roles with the UNCG Opera Theatre, including the Third Lady in Mozart’s Magic Flute, one of the four Voices in Adamo’s Little Women, and most recently Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah. A member of the UNCG Chamber Singers and a Senior Vocal Performance major from Stokesdale, North Carolina, she attended Song Fest 2004 in Malibu, CA last summer. In May of 2005, Ms. Vaughn will sing the role of Martha in Gounod’s Faust with Capitol Opera in Raleigh. Dustin Ousley (Kaspar) is a second year MM student in Choral Conducting from Simpsonville, South Carolina. A member of Chamber Singers, he was last seen at UNCG as Little Bat and Elder Hayes in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. He has been involved in many community theatre productions with South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Greenville Little Theatre, and the Opera Theatre at Furman University, where he earned his BA degree in Music. He performed last summer as Jamie Lockhart in The Robber Bridegroom with the Thomasville City School District, and just finished as Music Director/Conductor for Lexington Youth Theatre’s production of Annie. Eric Poole (Chorus Master) is a graduate of North Carolina A&T and Howard Universities, where he received the BA and MM degrees, respectively. Upon completion of graduate studies in 1991, he accepted an appointment as Assistant Conductor of the Howard University Choir. Eric returned to his alma mater in 1993 as Conductor of the A&T University Choir and Instructor of Music. Currently the principal conductor of the Men’s Glee Club at UNCG, while pursuing his DMA in Choral Conducting. Mr. Poole has taught choral music at Andrews and Eastern Guilford High Schools. Hiram Poplin (Amahl), age 11, is the son of Tom and Jilda Poplin of Jonesville, NC, and a sixth grade student at Elkin Elementary School. Hiram has been playing in hometown productions since the age of 7. His three latest roles were the title role in Oliver at the Surry Arts Council, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz at the Foothills Arts Council, and Joe Crowell in Our Town at the Foothills Arts Council. Hiram plays clarinet in the school band, and he studies piano, voice, dance, and art. His favorite pastime is playing with his six brothers on the family farm in Yadkin County. Marina De Ratmiroff (Assistant to the Director) comes to UNCG from UNC Wilmington where she earned her BA in Vocal Performance. While in Wilmington, she performed the roles of the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Olympia in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and Norina in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. Ms. De Ratmiroff most recently performed the role of the First Lady in Die Zauberflöte at Opera Festival di Roma. In her spare time, she likes to surf and play volleyball. Neal Sharpe (Balthazar) is a sophomore Vocal Performance major from Graham, North Carolina. A member of University Chorale and Men’s Glee Club, he was last seen as an ensemble member in the UNCG Opera Theatre production of Floyd’s Susannah. Other performing credits for Mr. Sharpe include as an ensemble member in Greensboro Opera’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor, as Danny in Grease, Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lyle and Cowboy Bob in Footlose, and Lamar in Godspell. Mr. Sharpe is Director of Music at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Meghann L. Vaughn (Mother) has sung several roles with the UNCG Opera Theatre, including the Third Lady in Mozart’s Magic Flute, one of the four Voices in Adamo’s Little Women, and most recently Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah. A member of the UNCG Chamber Singers and a senior Vocal Performance major from Stokesdale, North Carolina, she attended Song Fest 2004 in Malibu, CA last summer. In May of 2005, Ms. Vaughn will sing the role of Martha in Gounod’s Faust with Capitol Opera in Raleigh. A Tribute to William W. McIver "Lord God of Abraham" from Elijah (Felix Mendelssohn) Charles Lynam, baritone "Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder" "Ich atmet' einem linden Duft" "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen" from "Rückert Lieder” (Gustav Mahler) Meghann L.Vaughn, mezzo-soprano "Ain't it a Pretty Night" from Susannah (Carlisle Floyd) Melissa Brobeck, soprano "To This We've Come" from The Consul (Gian-Carlo Menotti) Rosemary Rohrman, soprano "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd (Stephen Sondheim) Jaime Gamroth, soprano "Nessun dorma" from Turandot (Giacomo Puccini) Brian Carter, tenor (accompanied by the women of the Amahl chorus) — — Special Thanks Charles Angel Neil Shepherd Jody Cauthen Carolina Voices Dianna Carter Ann Doyle Butch Sutton Joe Gardner Deborah Bell Jan Hullihan Dr. Cort McClaren Chris English Stephanie Cordick Sandy Beam Dr. John J. Deal Richard Hicks Brian French Fred Lopp Dr. Deborah Egekvist Richard Cook Aurelia Hepler Myra Feldman Tiffany Aumann Wyndell Earles Michael Kelly Brenda Boyce Jeff Neubauer Yong Im Lee Phi Mu Alpha Rev. Charles Zimmerman John Wolf Dana McIver Dr. Carol Marsh Rosemary Kuhlmann Jessica Van Ord Bob Cavin Sherri MacCheyne Steve Gilliam Moore Music Laura Holley William Murphy Stephanie Elkins Kathleen McGirty The Music Academy of North Carolina The Story of Amahl Amahl is a crippled shepherd boy of twelve who lives with his mother, an impoverished widow, in a nearly empty hut. They face a bleak future with little food to eat or wood for fire. The three Wise Men, on their way to Bethlehem, stop at the hut and request lodging for the night. Amahl and his mother welcome them and offer to share what little they have. They are astonished at the splendor of the Kings’ robes and the gifts being brought to the newborn child, whom the mother, in her mind, identifies with her own son. The shepherds, led by Amahl, approach and offer gifts and dances for the Kings. Following the departure of the shepherds, all retire for the night. The mother sings of the unfairness of the gifts going to a child who the Kings do not know, when she has a child who is starving. Under cover of darkness, while the three Kings are asleep, the mother steals some of the gold and is caught in the act by the Page. Amahl awakens and comes to her defense, beating on the Page and urging the Kings to intercede. Melchior says that she may keep the gold since the Child they seek has no need of it. The mother is moved by Melchior’s description of the Child and returns the gold while lamenting that she does not have a gift of her own to give. Amahl offers his crutch which he lifts and, in so doing, takes a step without it. The Kings give thanks to God for this miracle, and Amahl convinces his mother that he should go with the Kings to present the crutch to the Child himself. As dawn approaches, Amahl sets off with the Kings, and, as the procession moves away, he plays on his pipe the tune with which the opera began. — — Notes What accounts for the popularity of Amahl over fifty years after its premiere on NBC television on December 24, 1951? It continues to receive more performances than almost any other standard contemporary opera. I would imagine that the circumstances under which it was first presented have something to do with its continuing popularity. Rather than a premiere attended by a few hundred or even several thousand, the Hallmark Hall of Fame was watched by millions in 1951 and the following seven years when the opera was given live televised performances. Few, if any, operas have been afforded such a launching. But beyond that first decade, it has continued to hold the imagination of a public, that, I suspect, wants desperately to believe the opera’s essential message of hope. Amahl’s crippled leg does not prevent his portrayal as one to whom both parents and children can relate and empathize. The widowed mother’s unswerving love for her son, even in the midst of poverty and his tendency to fabricate stories, is as poignant and relevant today as when it was written. Certainly the opera’s brevity and reduced forces expand both the potential audience, through its appeal to children, and the number of groups that can successfully mount a production of Amahl. But beyond these factors, I remain convinced that Gian-Carlo Menotti has fashioned a miniature masterpiece that holds our attention dramatically and lifts our spirits musically…all around a central theme that suggests that it is through giving that we receive. Do you believe in miracles? -William W. McIver Betsi Hodges (Repetiteur) originally from St. Louis, MO, received her Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and her Master’s degree from Michigan State University, both in piano performance. Her teachers have included Ralph Votapek, Barry Snyder, Thomas Schumacher, and Jane Allen. During the summers, she has participated in festivals such as Banff and the International Institute for the Arts in Moscow, Russia. She has appeared as soloist with the Michigan State Philharmonic and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she teaches piano at Guilford College and at the Music Academy of North Carolina, and is an active accompanist in the Greensboro area. David Holley (Producer/Musical Director/Conductor) is the Director of Opera at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his productions have won awards in the National Opera Association Opera Production Competition including first place for Orpheus in the Underworld (2001), The Consul (2000), Dialogues of the Carmelites (1997), Amahl and the Night Visitors (1996), and Don Giovanni (1994). An active performer, as well, recent engagements include Don José opposite Luretta Bybee and Herbert Perry (directed by David Morelock) with The Lyric Opera of Waco, as well as Pinkerton with Nikki Li Hartliep (also in Waco). At the Brevard Music Center, where he served as Resident Tenor and Stage Director from 1994-2001, he sang Don José (directed by Jonathon Field), Hoffmann, Cavaradossi, Turiddu, and Pinkerton (among others) and the tenor solos in the Verdi Requiem and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. In January, Mr. Holley will guest direct The Magic Flute at Baylor University. Steven J. Martin (Melchior) is a senior Vocal Performance major from Madison, North Carolina. A member of the UNCG Chamber Singers, he is no stranger to Amahl. Mr. Martin performed the title role in the UNCG’s Amahl in 1995 and 1996, and was the Page in 2002. He has performed as an ensemble member in Greensboro Opera’s La Bohème, and UNCG Opera Theatre productions of The Magic Flute and The Pirates of Penzance. Mr. Martin won first place in the Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS auditions and placed third in the North Carolina NATS competition. James A. McClure (Balthazar) is a first year MM student in Vocal Performance from Charlotte, North Carolina. A member of University Chorale, his past performing credits include a solo engagement with the Brevard Chamber Orchestra and Betto in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi at Appalachian State University, where he was a winner of the Concerto Aria Competition. Mr. McClure has placed in his divisions of the North Carolina State and Mid-Atlantic Region NATS auditions. He received his BM in Vocal Performance from Appalachian State University. Louisa Gabriele Muller (Stage Director), from Salem, OR, is a second year MM student at UNCG, where she has been seen in Little Women and Susannah. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Theatre and Music from Lawrence University, where she directed She Loves Me and The Office, assistant directed Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica, and stage-managed Anna Karenina. She has completed internships at Seattle Opera and the Lark Theatre Company in NYC. Ms. Muller spent last summer as an Apprentice Stage Director at Opera North, where she directed La Serva Padrona (Act II), assistant directed Roméo et Juliette, and assistant stage managed A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She will return to Opera North in May to direct their outreach opera. — continued Amahl Cast and Staff Biographies Andrés Ballesteros (Amahl) was born in Paducah, Kentucky and now resides in High Point, North Carolina. An eighth grade student at Aycock Middle School, he is also a member of the Greensboro Youth Chorus. Aside from singing, Andrés is a Boy Scout, plays in the school orchestra and band, and plays piano. He also enjoys math, soccer and collects coins. Timothy Cook (The Page) is a freshman choral education major from Salisbury, North Carolina. He is a member of University Chorale and Men’s Glee Club. Mr. Cook performed as a soloist with the National Youth Chorus in New York’s Carnegie Hall, as well as in his high school’s “Broadway Revue” performances for four years. A student of Dr. Robert Bracey, he also enjoys sketching and design, and playing racquetball. Sandra Cotton (Mother) has performed the roles of Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah, Sally in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, the title role in scenes from Rossini’s La Cenerentola, and Cherubino in scenes from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, all at UNCG, where she is pursing her DMA. She received a BM from Northern Arizona University, a MM from UNCG and a MA in German Studies from Duke University. Ms. Cotton will play Siebel in Gounod’s Faust with Capitol Opera in Raleigh in May of 2005. Melanie Austin Crump (Mother) originally hails from Colfax, North Carolina and is in the DMA program at UNCG. She holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education, and a MM in performance from Appalachian State, where she appeared on a Voice Recital of Distinction, was a winner of the Concerto-Aria competition and sang the title character in Suor Angelica. At UNCG, Melanie also sings with the University Chorale. Brad Fugate (Melchior) is a second year DMA student in Vocal Performance from Elkin, North Carolina. Making his debut with UNCG Opera, his past performing credits include Arcetro in Peri’s Euridice with Longy Early Opera in Boston, Spirit in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with New Trinity Baroque in Atlanta, and Jesus in Schwartz’s Godspell with High Point Theatre. Mr. Fugate can also be heard on recordings by the Edition Lilac and Arsis record labels. He holds a BM in Music Education from Furman University, a MM in Choral Conducting from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and has done post-graduate studies in Vocal Performance at Florida State University. Andrew Joseph Griner Jr. (Amahl) is a Greensboro native and a student at Morehead Elementary School of Expressive Arts. He is a member of the Greensboro Youth Chorus and the Canticle Choir at First Presbyterian Church. Last month, Andrew attended the Montreat music and worship conference. He is an energetic eleven year old full of life who enjoys his family, his school, his church, and his cat Elijah. Logan Haggard (The Page) is a sophomore Vocal Performance major from Seymour, Tennessee. A member of University Chorale and Men’s Glee Club, he was last seen in the UNCG Opera Theatre’s production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. Logan studies with Dr. Robert Bracey and placed first in his division of the 2004 North Carolina NATS auditions. William W. McIver 1942-2003 William McIver was born in Williamsport, PA into a musical family. At age nine, while at the Columbus Boychoir School (now the American Boychoir), he auditioned for the title role of Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti. He won the role and performed the opera live on NBC television from 1952-1955. He performed Yniold in Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande at the New York City Opera. Despite his performing success, when asked in an interview at age ten if he wanted to be an opera singer, he replied that he wanted to teach. When approached to sing in the Broadway musical Fanny, his father turned down the role because Bill wanted to stay home and play more baseball. His musical interests led him to Oberlin, where he received degrees from both the Conservatory and the College. Chief among his mentors was noted author and teacher Richard Miller, who became a lifelong friend. On his junior year abroad, studying at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, he met Dana Weigel, and after having broken up three times “for good and for always,” they were married in 1967. While Dana pursued a Masters degree in German from the University of Wisconsin, Bill earned a MM at the University of Illinois. They both attended West Virginia University, where Bill received his DMA and Dana earned another Masters degree. After filling in for his father, Walter McIver, for one semester at Lycoming College, Bill’s career began in earnest at UNCG, where he taught for twenty nine years. Chairman of the vocal division for eight years and acting Dean of the School of Music in 1983-1984, Bill was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1996. During his tenure at UNCG, he conducted the Women’s Glee Club and Women’s Choir, established the Vocal Pedagogy program, and was the stage director for our production of Amahl for its first four years, from 1993-1996. A most important association was with First Lutheran Church in Greensboro, where he served first as Music Director and then as Chancel Choir Director from 1971 until 1998. One of the highlights was his partnership with Dana, who began as organist and then assumed the role of Music Director. Under Bill’s leadership, the choir performed major works by Brahms, Rutter, Mendelssohn, Britten, Duruflé, Vivaldi, Handel and Bach. In his twenty-fifth year, the church commissioned an anthem in his honor, based on Micah 6:6-8, one of his favorite texts. In 1998, Bill joined the faculty of the Eastman School of Music, where his brother Bob and college classmate Carol Weber also teach, and he established the graduate program in Vocal Pedagogy. His students from both Eastman and UNCG have sung at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as opera houses in Europe and apprentice programs throughout the United States and Canada. Bill served the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in many capacities, from the local level to the National Presidency. He was a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), where he served on the Pedagogy and Editorial Committees. He published articles in the Journal of Singing and the American Music Teachers Journal. He gave workshops and master classes nationally and internationally, including at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. We dedicate this evening to his loving memory. — — Gustav Mahler: Rückert Lieder Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder! Meine Augen schlag’ ich nieder, Wie ertappt auf böser Tat. Selber darf ich nicht getrauen, Ihrem Waschen zuzuschauen. Diene Neugier is Verrat! Bienen, wenn sie Zellen bauen, Laßen auch nicht zu sich schauen, Schauen selbst auch nicht zu. Wenn die reichen Honigwaben Sie zu Tag gefördert haben, Dann vor allen nasche du! Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft Im Zimmer stand Ein Zweig der Linde, Ein Angebinde Von lieber Hand. Wie lieblich war der Lindenduft! Wie lieblich ist der Lindenduft, Das Lindenreis Do not try to read my songs! See, my own eyes I cast down As though found out in doing wrong. I myself may not presume To intrude into their growing. Your curiosity is betrayal! Bees, when they construct their cells, Do not let their work be watched, Neither do they watch themselves. Only when the honeycombs Are brought to the light of day May their sweetness you enjoy! I breathed in a fragrance soft and sweet A bough of lime Stood in the room, A gift received From loving hand. How lovely was the lime-flower scent! How lovely is the lime-flower scent, The lime-tree twig, Brachst du gelinde! Ich atme leis Im Duft der Linde Der Liebe linden Duft. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen Mit der ich sonst viele Zeit verdorben; Sie hat so lange nichts von mir vernommen, Sie mag wohl glauben, ich sei gestorben! Es ist mir auch gar nichts daran gelegen, Ob sie mich für gestorben hält. Ich kann auch gar nichts sagen dagegen, Denn wirklich bin ich gestorben der Welt. Ich bin gestorben dem Weltgetümmel Und ruh’ in einem stillen Gebiet. Ich leb’ allein in meinem Himmel, In meinem Lieben, in meinem Lied. You gently plucked! I softly breathe The fragrant lime, The fragrant scent of love. I have become a stranger to the world I have become a stranger to the world Where once I used to watse a lot of time; It has so long now nothing heard of me, It may well think that I have died! Indeed, I am not much concerned Whether it believes me dead, I cannot even contradict it, For really, I am dead to the world. I have renounced the worldly bustle And live in peace at a quiet place. I live alone in this, my heaven, In my love, in my songs. — — Giacomo Puccini: Nessun dorma from Turandot Nessun dorma, Nessun dorma! No one sleeps! No one sleeps! Tu pure, o Principessa, You too, O Princess! Nella tua fredda stanza, In your chaste room Guardi le stelle Are watching the stars which Che tremano d'amore e di speranza. Tremble with love and hope! Ma il mio mistero e chiuso in me, But my secret lies hidden within me, Il nome mio nessun sapra! No one shall discover my name! No, no, sulla tua bocca lo diro' Oh no, I will reveal it only on your lips, Quando la luce splendera'! When daylight shines forth Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio And my kiss shall break Che ti fa mia! The silence which makes you mine! (Il nome suo nessun saprà! (No one shall discover my name! E noi dovrem, ahime, morir!) And we will have to die!) Dilegua, o notte! Depart, oh night! Tramontate, stelle! Fade away, you stars! All'alba vincero'! At dawn I shall win! The UNCG Opera Theatre is proud to announce our Spring 2005 Season: A Night at the New Stadium: The Mighty Casey March 16 & 17, 2005 The UNCG School of Music and the Greensboro Grasshoppers invite you to the new downtown stadium for an evening of fun, food, music and sports! |
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