Hired as: Italian coach & Projection designer for Apollo's Fire (L'Orfeo)
I've been invited to be part of Apollo's Fire's spring tour of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo! The opera will be semi-staged and will be presented in Cleveland, Michigan, and California this Spring.
I cannot believe I'll be able to contribute to this incredible ensemble I've admired for years! Their willingness to constantly innovate and breathe energy into the baroque repertoire shows in their openness to incorporate visual projections for the production.
In designing projections for them, I will incorporate artwork as well as original photographs of the frescos and elements of the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua. I visited the Palazzo this summer, the location where Monteverdi's opera was first premiered. For me, location, history, and architecture are crucial elements that can help us connect to the art and period.
I'm also thrilled to be coaching the singers a bit on their Italian! Having emigrated to the States after living in Italy most of my life, it is particularly meaningful and a joy.
I cannot help but thank Jeannette Sorrell, the ensemble's artistic director, for her mentorship, kindness, and inspiration. I hope to one day have a fraction of her brilliance, initiative, musicianship, and kindness!
Cannot wait for this experience: a dream of an opportunity and a gift to spend it in the company of such incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to this music!