February 23, 2010

Q&A with Mary Elizabeth Williams, our Aida

Since Soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams is singing her very first Aida here with us, we want to give you a chance to get to know her a bit better. A resident of Philadelphia (when she’s not on the road), Williams answered the following questions for us: What was your first opera experience?I’m not exactly sure, to be honest. I remember that a group of young opera singers came to my elementary school and put on a show for us, which […]
February 24, 2011

Get to know Michael Redding … “Porgy” in Porgy and Bess

1. Where do you live when you’re not traveling? When I’m not traveling I live in Chicago. I would travel to Chicago for auditions during my grad work, and just fell in love with the city! 3. Why did you choose to be a singer? I didn’t choose to be a singer… singing chose me! I simply wanted to be in front of an audience performing. It always felt like stage was my second home. 4. What’s the best thing […]
April 7, 2011

ARTIST PROFILE | Matthew Plenk

Così fan tutte is Mozart’s comedic 18th century reality show, and caught in the mix is the charming, beguiling, and fairly naive, Ferrando, played by Matthew Plenk. This is Matthew’s debut with The Atlanta Opera, and already he’s making a lasting impression. All’s fair in love and war? All’s well that ends well? Let’s have Matthew help us decide, and learn a little about “real life” along the way… 1. Where do you live when you’re not traveling? I live […]
April 21, 2011

A Day in the Life of an Atlanta Opera Intern

In this week’s edition of The Atlanta Opera Blog, intern Ashli Cribb channels Matt Lauer and answers everything you could ever want to know about a day in the life of an Atlanta Opera Intern. * * * In early February, I began my tutelage in the life lessons of becoming an arts administrator. In case I have managed to hold anyone in suspense for a line, I must confess now, that I am one of the two new interns […]
June 17, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES with Greg Carraway, Foundation and Grants Manager

Producing operas and educational outreach programs takes a village, and here at The Atlanta Opera we have a talented group of people who work “behind the scenes” to ensure that the art that sings continues to flourish in the Atlanta community. For those of you who have ever asked, “How’d they do that?” these next installments of The Atlanta Opera Blog are just for you! This week we go BEHIND THE SCENES with Greg Carraway, our Foundation and Grants Manager. […]
June 24, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES with Emmalee Iden, Director of Education

1. What is your role in the organization? I am the Director of Education. I manage all of the company’s education and outreach initiatives. 2. What are the education offerings at the Opera? We have educational programs for young children all the way through adulthood. Our programs are divided into four categories: Programs for children and families, In-school programs, professional development, and community programs. Programs for children and families: Include Opera Family Day, Girl Scout workshops, and other similar programs […]
July 8, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES with “Captain Itinerary…”

Have you ever wondered who handles all those pesky details for our major social events of the season? Who comes up with creative partnerships, barters with vendors, and rallies the troops to make these events fun and efficient? Her name is Amanda Wilborn… otherwise known as “Captain Itinerary,” and she’s taking over the planet, one event at a time… Let’s see what she has to say about what it’s like to be an Event Manager at The Atlanta Opera. Enjoy! […]
July 15, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES | The Atlanta Opera’s “One-Stop Design Shop,” Dallas Duncan Franklin

1. What is your role with The Atlanta Opera? I am the Creative Services Manager for The Atlanta Opera, which means that I am responsible for the creation and production of all print, advertising, exhibition, emarketing, and web materials for the organization. I have been in my current position for the past three years, and have eight years of experience working as a professional designer. 2. What is your background and experience, and what led you here? Prior to moving […]
August 1, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES with Michael Benedict, Production Manager

Sets, lights, props, and stagehands do not just magically appear. In the newest blog post, Atlanta Opera Production Manager, Michael Benedict, sheds some light on the role he plays in making spellbinding opera happen. 1. What is a Production Manager? What do you do? A production manager is primarily responsible for managing budgets, schedules, and personnel. I organize and manage all of the pieces that make up the physical side of the production: scenery, electrics, sound, costumes, props, wigs & […]
August 8, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES with Ashley Gilleland, Accounting Manager

In our last BEHIND THE SCENES feature, we speak with Ashley Gilleland, our Accounting Manager. I bet you didn’t know we have one of those! We do, and she’s terrific. Ashley keeps us in line and organized, and makes sure all our financial ducks are in a row and accounted for. But it’s not just about crunching numbers. Ashley also helps us manage our database, and assists us with documenting pivotal financial information needed to keep us running smoothly. These […]
September 14, 2011

“The Walter Huff Magic…”

By Ellen Sturgill Elegant gowns swirl on the dance floor. The smell of a fabulous dinner wafts through the air. A rush of excitement and anticipation hits as The Atlanta Opera’s talented singers perform selections from the quickly approaching season. These are just a few of the sights, sounds, and experiences that one can expect on September 17th at The 2011 Atlanta Opera Ball: “Indulge Your Senses.” Always a stunning event, this year’s celebration is held at The St. Regis […]
October 12, 2011

A Children’s Opera from the Grown-Ups’ Point of View!

By Ellen Sturgill One of the most exciting additions to this season is the children’s opera Rabbit Tales, the Atlanta Opera’s first-ever commissioned opera. Rabbit Tales is based on the stories of Br’er Rabbit and will take children on a fun adventure through the hilarious antics of Br’er Rabbit and his friends, while introducing children to the musical genre of opera. Rabbit Tales is a touring production of The Atlanta Opera Studio and will be traveling to elementary schools throughout […]