Schematic Presentation Boards

English Hedge Garden image

NEC's A Feast of Music invitation and reply card

Opera Scenes photos part 3

NEC Opera Scenes part 2 - more photos

NEC Scenes Performance 12/13

Harry and I attended the NEC Opera Scenes Performance last night. It was enjoyable to hear the incredibly talented students, and worthwhile to see what it is that we will be designing for next April.

There were seven 'scenes' from different operas: some classical( La Nozze de

Figaro, Die Fledermaus), a few modern (Postcard from Morocco, Regina). Half of them were dramatic, and a few were funny (very funny, in fact). A stage director introduced each scene.

Photos are attached - most were taken without flash. As far as the layout in Brown Hall, what was most interesting was that the built stage at the front of the room was ignored, and the room oriented sideways, with the performance area on the audience floor. Would be interesting to learn why. It did make it hard for the audience in middle and back rows to see the action, but maybe this way the performance is more intimate and accessible. When the director introduced the scene, in spoken voice, the acoustics were a little echo-ey, but they were fine for the sung performance. A couple of the photos look through the audience in front of me - to illustrate how hard it is to see the performers through rows of seats when neither the audience or the performers are elevated. Perhaps height will be a feature of whatever we add.....

The backdrop was a simple wood multi-hinged 'screen' with three arched doorways cut out, and a second layer of screen behind the doors. The performers would enter/exit through the doors or from around the sides of the backdrop. Most of the mood and setting were provided by props: tables/sofas/chairs, potted plants (plastic), hat rack. The costumes were updated to the modern era, so no giant flouncy dresses for women or velvety tights for the men. Music was provided by a pianist on a grand piano just off to the side of the scenery.

Stage lighting was solely from 3 sets of lamps mounted permanently high up on the wall (the side wall of the room; but the rear wall the way they use it for opera scenes). The center bank of lamps are quadruple; those on either side are doubled. The lighting was static throughout the performances. After the performance, they were still on when I took one photo from onstage - you can get a sense of how bright they are; performers cannot see the audience through them. This will be important to keep in mind as we consider materials and finishes for the scenery: if it is too reflective, it will be uncomfortable for audience and distracting for performers.

Have a look at this video from a 2007 Opera Scenes performance, same venue, same flat brown wood backdrop. Great introduction from the director that mentions the sets. (Almost like being there.....)

More photos on the next post -

NEC Opera Scenes Dates

Here is the NEC Opera Scenes schedule. Perkin scenes are the same thing, just sponsored by a foundation:

Upcoming performances

2010-12-12 NEC Opera Scenes
2010-12-13 NEC Opera Scenes

2011-02-06 NEC Opera Scenes
2011-02-07 NEC Opera Scenes

2011-03-13 Perkin Opera Scenes
2011-03-14 Perkin Opera Scenes

2011-04-18 NEC Opera Scenes
2011-04-19 NEC Opera Scenes

and the link to their web page:

http://necmusic.edu/opera