Sunday, August 5, 2018 – 12:30 - 7p.m.
Chautauqua Opera and partners across the grounds collaborate to host “As One Community Day”. This series of events, designed to engage audiences more deeply as we consider the role of arts in global understanding, will include a moderated panel, a screening of Kimberly Reed’s film Prodigal Sons, a talk-back with the creators of the opera, an open rehearsal, and more.
All events are free and admission to Chautauqua's grounds is free on Sundays. Attendees in As One events Sunday, August 5 will be given a voucher for free parking for the day.
Schedule of Events
12:30–2 p.m. | Prodigal Sons – Film Presentation, Chautauqua Cinema
Prodigal Sons is an autobiographical documentary by filmmaker Kimberly Reed (co-librettist of the opera As One). Winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, Best Documentary Jury Prize at NewFest, and Special Jury Prizes for Fearless Filmmaking at the Florida Film Festival and Bravery in Storytelling at the Nashville Film Festival, Prodigal Sons is a raw and provocative examination of one family’s struggle to come to terms with its past and present. Learn more about this powerful film at prodigalsonsfilm.com
2–2:30 p.m. | Talkback with filmmaker Kimberly Reed following the film, Chautauqua Cinema
2:30–2:45 p.m. | Break and Travel Time
2:45–3:30 p.m. | As One Rehearsal Viewing, Norton Hall
View a sneak peek of the opera As One, as the cast rehearses for their performance on August 7*
3:30–5 p.m. | Panel Discussion: What Binds Us? Achieving Understanding Across Difference, Hurlbut Church Sanctuary
Moderated by Rev. Gene Robinson, Vice President for Religion and Senior Pastor, Chautauqua Institution
Panelists (To Date):
Mark Campbell, Librettist/Lyricist; Co-Librettist, As One
Kimberly Reed, Filmmaker; Co-Librettist, As One
Darren Canady, Associate Professor of English, University of Kansas; Chautauqua Literary Arts Writer in Residence
Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich, Author, The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir; 2018 Chautauqua Prize Winner
Joseph Reyes, Business/Office Manager, Chautauqua Theater Company
5–6 p.m. | Creating Shared Meaning Through Poetry, Poetry Maker Space, Colonnade
Explore the libretto of As One and create your own poetry through the Traveling Stanzas interactive exhibit.
6:30 p.m. | LGBTQ & Friends Gathering, Athenaeum Hotel Porch (Cash Bar)
An informal gathering with Chautauquans. Great for networking and launching new friendships.
*As One will be performed Tuesday, August 7th at 4 p.m. in Norton Hall. Learn more about the opera at asoneopera.com. Purchase tickets ($25) to the August 7 performance at chqtickets.com.
Chautauqua Cinema will be screening Kimberly Reed's latest film, Dark Money, Monday, August 6 at 12:15 and 5:15 p.m. Ms. Reed will be available following both screenings for talk-backs.
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Pick the pieces for the Opera Invasion this Friday, July 21 from 6:15-7:15pm in front of the Amphitheater

L'Orfeo | July 8 | U.S. Stage Premiere
In this timeless myth of true love and loss, Orpheus, the man who could charm death itself with his music, travels to the underworld to plead with the gods for the life of his lost love, Euridice.
Ottorino Respighi's re-orchestration of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo (one of history's first operatic masterpieces) has never been seen on stage in the United States. Be the first to experience this essential opera! Hear the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra fill the grounds (from their own underworld in the new orchestra pit) with this luscious and romantic score and join Chautauqua Opera Company for their first performance in the new Amphitheater.

Don Pasquale | July 28 & 31
True Italian farce returns to the stage of Norton Hall, continuing Chautauqua Opera's dedication to performing operas for the entire family. Hijinks ensue when the aging bachelor, Don Pasquale, pursues the spirited Norina, hoping to trap himself a much younger wife. Chautauqua Opera Apprentice Artists will be featured alongside nationally renowned Guest Artists in Donizetti’s hilarious tale of love and deception.

Hydrogen Jukebox | July 27 & August 1
Experience the collaboration of two of America's most revolutionary artists, composer Philip Glass and poet Allen Ginsberg, in this truly unique chamber opera. Hydrogen Jukebox paints a portrait of America approaching the end of the millennium, touching on political and social issues that are more timely than ever. Six Chautauqua Opera Apprentice Artists take the spotlight in this work which perfectly reflects the mix of arts and humanities that is the spirit of CHQ.
Inside the Opera: Hydrogen Jukebox
A Special Studies class will be offered this summer exploring the music, poetry, and significance of Hydrogen Jukebox. Registration is now open at chqtickets.com, under Special Studies. Beginning June 25, registeration will also be available in person at the Hultquist Special Studies office or any ticket window on the grounds.
INSIDE THE OPERA: HYDROGEN JUKEBOX
Mondays, July 3, 10 & 17, 2017 | 1–2:15 p.m. | McKnight Hall
Hydrogen Jukebox, which premiered in 1990, is the result of a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between composer Philip Glass and poet Allen Ginsberg. These classes will give you an in-depth look into the creation, poetry, music, and history of the chamber opera. Each class will be led by Steven Osgood, with special guests from the production's artistic team. Whether you take just one class or attend all three, you will leave with a deeper understanding of what makes this work a modern masterpiece. Enrich your experience further by attending the open rehearsal immediately following class!
More Performances
In addition to our mainstage operas, the Chautauqua Opera Company presents over 30 programs each season including:
- An Opera Highlights Concert and an Opera Pops Concert with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
- Weekly "Afternoon of Song" Recitals
- An Operatic Revue for Young Audiences
- A fully staged Opera Scenes Program
- Masterclasses
- Open-mic Nights
- Opera Invasions
Admission to each of these programs is free with a valid gate pass. For more information, please take a look at our calendar page.
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About
Chautauqua Opera's Mission Statement
TO PRODUCE opera/music theatre of the highest quality as part of the artistic and cultural diversity that is represented at the Chautauqua Institution.
TO BUILD tomorrow's audience for opera and music theatre, both regionally and nationally, through the presentation of productions of the highest quality, using a mix of seasoned professionals and Young Artists in training.
TO NURTURE the development of Young Artists, creative staff and production personnel.
TO REINFORCE the appreciation of the standard repertoire and to broaden interest in American and non-standard works.
Contact
Click here for Google Map directions
Chautauqua Opera NYC (Sept.-May)
412 West 42nd Street, Suite 4E4
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212.779.3177
Fax: 212.779.3293
Chautauqua Opera (June-August)
PO Box Q
Chautauqua, NY 14722
Phone: 716.357.6286
Fax: 716.357.3285
General/Artistic Director, Jay Lesenger: Admin@chautopera.org
General Inquiries: Info@chautopera.org
Audition Information: Auditions@chautopera.org
Director of Administration, Michael Berg: Admin@chautopera.org
Company Manager, Gabriel Estin: CompanyManager@chautopera.org