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 […]
August 26, 2011

“I’ll tell you a rabbit story…”

By Lauren Turner For the first time ever, The Atlanta Opera has commissioned a children’s opera for the 2011-2012 Studio Tour! The opera is called Rabbit Tales, and is based on the whimsical Br’er Rabbit stories made famous by Joel Chandler Harris. Many of you have probably heard the news already, but we wanted to share with you a little bit about the process of commissioning, writing, and premiering Rabbit Tales, and how excited we’ve been to see this idea […]
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 […]
September 23, 2011

I Could’ve Danced All Night!

By Ellen Sturgill Glamour and excitement were in the air at The 2011 Atlanta Opera Ball. Last Saturday, opera-lovers came together at the St. Regis-Atlanta for a night of good food, great music, wonderful people, and lots of fun! The ballroom was stunning with design provided by Tony Brewer and Company and truly captured this year’s theme of “Indulge Your Senses.” Guests at the Ball were able to participate in silent and live auctions, partake in a gourmet dinner, and […]
September 30, 2011

Carter Joseph’s Evenings with Opera…..

By Ellen Sturgill The Atlanta Opera has a wide variety of extra events and classes that are designed to help people not only enjoy seeing an opera, but become immersed in it. One of the most popular ways to do this is with Carter Joseph’s Opera 101 and Evening at Emory class series. Carter is a long time opera-lover, and an Atlanta Opera Board member, and his classes have been incredibly successful. I was able to sit down with Carter […]
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 […]
October 21, 2011

A Sneak Peek of Rabbit Tales!

By Ellen Sturgill Just last week, I was able to watch a dress rehearsal of Rabbit Tales! And let me tell you, it was one of the best I’ve ever seen! I laughed, I enjoyed great music, and I even got to cluck like a chicken! This show is creative, clever, heartfelt, and incredibly funny. After last week’s blog about the show from the point of view of the performers, it was exciting to watch them bring their answers to […]
October 28, 2011

Lights, Camera, Action!

By Ellen Sturgill There is never a dull moment at The Atlanta Opera! Today, Atlanta Opera chorus member Megan Mashburn, and Director of Development, Bert Wesley Huffman, were able to participate in a photo shoot for The Atlantan magazine. Here is a behind the scenes glimpse of how a photo spread for a major magazine is put together, and how The Atlanta Opera is reaching new audiences. Creatively set at Westside Foundry Home Furnishings, photographer Derek Blanks, the production team, […]
November 4, 2011

On the Cutting Edge of Opera

By Ellen Sturgill Are you confused about opera? Do you find your head spinning when people use the terms “bel canto,” “coloratura,” or “libretto” (especially if used in the same sentence)? Then have no fear! This Sunday, November 6th, The Atlanta Opera will be presenting “Opera with an Edge,” a live sneak preview of this season’s operas. Hosted by long-time Atlanta Opera supporter Bob Edge, this event promises to de-mystify your questions about opera and educate you about the upcoming […]
November 9, 2011

Q & A with Tomer Zvulun, Director of Lucia di Lammermoor

By Ellen Sturgill While Lucia di Lammermoor has been performed many times, The Atlanta Opera’s production, beginning this weekend, promises to take this classic bel canto work to new heights. The opera opens on Saturday, November 12th at the Cobb Energy Centre, and is directed by “one of opera’s most exciting young directors,” Tomer Zvulun. Tomer has worked with The Atlanta Opera three times in the past, directing the critically acclaimed Flying Dutchman, The Magic Flute, and La traviata. One […]
November 18, 2011

Check out these “crazy-good” reviews…

By Ellen Sturgill Here at The Atlanta Opera, we love all the positive press we’re receiving about this season’s opening production, Lucia di Lammermoor, but we are especially excited to hear from our loyal patrons and subscribers! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Below are some of our favorite reviews! © Tim Wilkerson “It was absolutely fabulous!! The music was spinning in my head all night. This is probably my favorite performance. And, I must say, that it […]
February 10, 2012

Q&A with Adam Cannedy, Oompa Loompa Aficionado

By Ellen Sturgill Everyone has heard of Roald Dahl’s classical book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But people may not know that composer Peter Ash and librettist Donald Sturrock took this iconic story, and turned it into a larger-than-life opera.  The Atlanta Opera is excited to bring The Golden Ticket to our stage this March.  If you love chocolate, beautiful music, and Oompa Loompas, this opera is for you.   To give readers an inside scoop on what being a […]