A musical coalition
MINOT, N.D. – The Western Plains Opera Company (WPO) regularly presents polished productions in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. However, much goes on behind the scenes to ensure the shows run smoothly. Partnering with the Minot Symphony Orchestra (MSO), the upcoming one-act opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” features moving parts from a diverse range of backgrounds on stage, in the orchestra, and behind the scenes.
The booth at the back of the Hall controls the audio and lighting on stage. Joanna Miller, senior music education student and mother of five, started working in it in 2017, having no first-hand experience with tech before. She will be calling cues as an experienced stage manager.
“I love working with all the people that come in for these productions,” she said. “As a future music educator, I get to hear from those that are teaching at other universities. The path we’re all on is not linear, so it always amazes me to hear how people got to where they are now. It can give someone like me a glimmer of hope that I, too, can go on to do great things even if my path towards it is different.”
Like Miller, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Chris Heth also followed an atypical path to the booth, first working with WPO in 2018 for “The Barber of Seville.”
"I had zero experience with theater lighting, but I learned enough through that experience to begin to learn on my own,” he said. “While the focus should always be on the performers on stage and their wonderful work, there is far more going on behind the scenes than I had ever imagined prior to getting involved in productions. My role is to help the performers on stage to set the mood or tone, to augment what they are doing without drawing too much attention to how I’m doing it.”
The Minot Symphony Orchestra also supports the singers in the production, but instead of performing in the pit below the stage, they will perform on stage, behind the action for “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
Professor of high strings and music history Jon Rumney has performed as concertmaster with the MSO since 1994, only missing one season. “Amahl” will give him an opportunity to connect the whole orchestra with a production with which he has a history.
“There are different parts on all levels,” Rumney said. “I coordinate the first violin section, and then by extension, the whole string section of the orchestra. One also must follow the conductor and listen to other instrumentalists as well as vocalists. I tune the orchestra and help to make the soloists feel comfortable. I've been familiar with this opera since childhood, and it's a pleasure to help my colleagues understand how our parts fit in with the story.”
Music performance major Julia Beck has performed with Rumney in the MSO for five years. “Amahl” has given her a fresh opportunity to connect with her fellow performers.
“While every concert we perform is unique, productions such as ‘Amahl’ are particularly special,” said Beck. “With so many moving parts, a production like this can easily seem overwhelming, but here, our community really comes together to create a fun and supportive musical environment. It truly is a magical experience.”
Finally, the performers front stage come from a variety of backgrounds as well, some hired from afar, and some returning to their home stage in Ann Nicole. Music alumnus Erik Anderson will return as the kings’ Page for his first performance back on campus since graduation.
“MSU has been like a second home since before I was a student, so I feel quite comfortable returning to the stage here,” Anderson said. “It's fun to work with current students who share a passion for the fine arts, and I hope my example encourages them to continue pursuing that. Opera is a team effort, and it's fascinating to weave so many disciplines together into one artform. Take one element away and it's not the same.”
Humanities Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of English Eric Furuseth, like Anderson, will also return to his home stage, but this time will be his third performance as King Balthazar.
“I have been involved with Western Plains Opera since 1985 when I sang the role of the gardener in ‘Marriage of Figaro,” Furuseth said. “The small group at the center of the company has remained remarkably consistent, ensuring that the company retains a high standard of performance. The many others needed for each production have also contributed greatly during their time here and in some cases even after they've graduated to singing careers.”
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| Published: 12/10/21 |
