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2023 Opera Ithaca Festival

November 5-12, 2023

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

 
Friday, November 10, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 12, 2:00 PM

Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, sexuality, disability, and the arts 45 minutes prior to event.

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, P
rague
 
Saturday, November 11, 2:00 PM





 

Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, sexuality, disability, and the arts 45 minutes prior to event.

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 Square OIF23.png
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.

TICKETS
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

TICKETS
Calendar

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!

Exclusive Rate Available Starting September 15
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

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the

New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

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