On Sunday, Nov. 24, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra will welcome guest vocalists Alta Dantzler, mezzo-soprano, and Sean Cooper, bass-baritone, as it performs Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21; and Béla Bartók's opera "Duke Bluebeard's Castle," Op. 11.
Gregory Cunningham, Oakland University associate professor of music and conductor of the OSO, said this performance will be a distinct pleasure, as the orchestra has rarely, if ever, delved into the realization of a complete opera.
"I am extremely excited to be giving voice to such an evocative work full of symbolism and allegory. The power and immediacy of the plot and text, sung in English, are magnificently framed by Bartók's music, making it one of my favorite 20th century operas," Cunningham said.
"I am confident that patrons of this concert, within such an intimate space as the Recital Hall, will find it to be a particularly powerful musical experience."
The opera will not be fully staged, but Associate Professor Kerro Knox is designing lighting that will "enhance the musical experience and assist in the storytelling." He adds, "The lighting will help the audience to see what the characters are seeing."
This second concert of the OSO season will take place at 3 p.m. on Nov. 24 in Varner Recital Hall on the Oakland University campus. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students. They can be purchased online, by phone or in person. Complete ticket information is available at oakland.edu/tickets.
Varner Recital Hall is surrounded by ample free parking. Maps are available at oakland.edu/map or by searching for "Varner Hall" on a smartphone.
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