Embracing Difference
The Opera Ithaca Festival was created to explore the confluence of the arts and social justice issues. Throughout the annual eight-day festival, Opera Ithaca brings diverse voices together, exploring the intersection of neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and music. The festival features a host of artists, activists, and community leaders who will sing, speak, and share the values of what it means to be different, inviting you to explore an entirely new perspective on opera.
Rusalka
Cast & Creative Team:
Kara Mulder, Rusalka
Benjamin Werley, Prince
Michael Colman, Vodnìk
Quinn Middleman, Ježibaba
Angel Azzarra, Foreign Princess
Ben Robinson, Director
Daniel Kleinknecht, Conductor
November 10 & 12, 2023
Hangar Theatre
In a world where being different means that you cannot love who you love, to what lengths will you go change yourself? Antonín Dvořák's fairytale opera, which loosely resembles the plot of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, dives into the depths of longing of the young water sprite, Rusalka, who will sell her soul for love.
Antonín Dvořák, composer | Jaroslav Kvapil, librettist
Premiere: March 31, 1901, Prague
YousaidShesaidHeSaid
Die schöne Müllerin
Cast & Creative Team:
Hailey McAvoy, mezzo-soprano
Geoffrey Peterson, baritone
Molly Joyce, composer
Austin Regan, director
November 11, 2023
Hangar Theatre
YousaidShesaidHesaid
Molly Joyce, composer | Christopher Oscar Peña, librettist
Premiere: March 23, 2014, New York
Die schöne Müllerin
Franz Schubert, composer | Wilhelm Müller, poet
Completed in 1823
The silent character of "the fair maid of the mill" is given a voice by groundbreaking composer, Molly Joyce and librettist Christopher Oscar Peña. This multimedia concert featuring Opera Ithaca's Young Artists explores the silenced voices of difference and rethinks a timeless classic.
Recital Series
November 4-11, 2023
Pop-up musical events around Ithaca with
Opera Ithaca Apprentice Artists. With a focus on the works of composers whose life, music, and legacy aligns with the feeling of being different.
See Calendar of Events below for full schedule.
All recital events are free.
Calendar of Events
Sunday, November 5
Chiaroscuro: Art and Music, 3-4 PM
The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Road, Ithaca
Opera Ithaca Apprentice Artists in concert. Free to the public.
Wednesday, November 8
Open Dress Rehearsal, Rusalka, 7:30 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
Experience a working rehearsal of Antonín Dvořák's Rusalka. Free to the public.
Thursday, November 9
Chat and Chamber Music
with Molly Joyce and Austin Regan, 7:30 PM
Six Mile Creek Vineyard Tasting Room, 1551 Slaterville Road, Ithaca
Chat with Composer-in-Residence, Molly Joyce and creative collaborator and director, Austin Regan, along with a sampling of Joyce's chamber music.
Friday, November 10
Rusalka, Opening Night, 7:30 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
- Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and the arts, 6:45 PM
- Post-performance champagne toast with the artists, 10:00 PM, Hangar Lobby
Saturday, November 11
YousaidShesaidHesaid | Die schöne Müllerin, 2:00 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
- Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and the arts, 1:15 PM
Molly Joyce's groundbreaking response on the female perspective to Franz Schubert's immortal Die schöne Müllerin.
Sunday, November 12
Rusalka, Closing Performance, 2:00 PM
Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and the arts, 1:15 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
Visiting Ithaca
Where to stay
Our exclusive hotel partner is La Tourelle Hotel and Spa. Book by October 15, 2023 for a special rate. Mention that you are in town for Opera Ithaca!
How to get here
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport: flyithaca.com
There are frequent bus services between Ithaca and many destinations along the East Coast. Ithaca offers rental cars, taxis, ride share services, and excellent public transportation.
What else is there to do?
Ithaca is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Renowned for its natural beauty, Ithaca is perhaps best know for its gorges and waterfalls. In recent years, the area's wineries have taken on a national prominence and the farm-to-table restaurant scene is one of the most exciting culinary experiences in the northeast. Plan your trip now.
2023 Opera Ithaca Festival Sponsors
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