Opera Edwardsville Returns to SIUE for 5th Anniversary Celebration and Holiday Concert as part of the Arts & Issues Series
On Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m., Opera Edwardsville (OE) will return to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Dunham Hall for the second year with its Fifth Anniversary Celebration and Holiday Concert as part of the Arts & Issues series.
"In the first half of the program, we highlight an operatic form known as the ‘Brindisi,’ which translates to a ‘drinking song,’” said Chase Hopkins, founder and artistic director of OE and general director of Chicago’s Haymarket Opera Company. “Opera is filled with these, and it’s great fun to program them together as an operatic toast to our 5th anniversary. Because it's opera, some characters have had one too many, some don't realize they're drinking poison, and some are simply raising a glass. It will be fantastic highlights from many different famous operas and will get the party going. With so many drinking songs on the program, we will also be offering a complimentary champagne toast at intermission as a way to celebrate with the audience. The second half of the program features festive favorites to highlight the sounds of the holiday season. There is no place like OE for the holidays!”
OE welcomes spectacular guest soloists, including soprano Amanda Majeski, mezzo soprano Emily Fons, and tenor Jonathan Johnson, in a program of opera's greatest hits alongside holiday favorites, accompanied by OE's pianist and Artist-in-Residence Joseph Welch. Hopkins will also make a special guest appearance. Immediately following the performance, all ticket holders can enjoy a champagne toast and artist meet-and-greet.
“We're excited to collaborate again with Opera Edwardsville,” said Grant Andree, director of Arts & Issues. “Celebrating their 5th year is a big accomplishment, and they've become a great community asset.”
"I am thrilled that OE has been invited to perform for a second year as part of the Arts & Issues series,” Hopkins stated. “I consider it a great honor to be the first local organization invited, and certainly the first to be invited back. Our relationship with the University has become incredibly central to OE's place in the community, from masterclasses with the Department of Music to performances at Dunham Hall as part of this series. We are grateful to support the educational efforts of the University through our opera for kids program and masterclasses, and equally grateful to share the talents of our artists in performance."
This event is sponsored by Commerce Bank. Free parking will be available in Lot E, and tickets can be purchased here. SIUE faculty, staff, retirees, alumni and seniors 65 and over can use promo code "SIUE23" for a discount. SIUE Students can reserve free tickets by using passcode "SIUESTUDENT23".
"I have to pinch myself when I remember that five years have already flown by,” said Hopkins. “It may be a small milestone, but a milestone for which we are very proud. Three of OE's operational years have been affected by the pandemic, so it has continued success with full, enthusiastic audiences and continued artistic growth are really something to celebrate. Many obstacles from the pandemic could have shuttered a new and unproven organization like OE, but indeed, it was our creativity that saw us thrive on film, debut outdoors and continue to foster meaningful educational outreach opportunities despite limits. Without a doubt, we are grateful to the community's unwavering support. We are fortunate to have many wonderful people on board for this cultural and musical novelty!”
