The Hills Ring Again with Opera in the Ozarks

March 23, 2011 - PRLog -- EUREKA SPRINGS— For more than 60 years, Opera in the Ozarks has entertained and thrilled opera buffs, while helping talented young artists from across the nation hone their operatic skills. The six-week intensive training program and month-long operatic music festival takes place at Inspiration Point, a breath-taking location only a few miles west of downtown Eureka Springs on US 62.

This year’s concert lineup includes 23 total performances and runs from June 24 through July 22. Three popular operas are featured: Die Fledermaus (The Bat) by Johann Strauss II; Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; and Little Women by Mark Adamo. Singers perform in period costume and are accompanied by a full orchestra. It is rare for an opera house to offer three great operas in a four-week season, and the young singers work at an extremely intense pace to make the magic happen.

All but three of the performances take place at Inspiration Point in an intimate outdoor theater, which allows theatergoers the opportunity to witness the emotions of the performers close-up. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. and comfortable attire is encouraged.

For those who prefer an indoor setting, all three operas will be performed at Arend Arts Center, 1901 SE J St, Bentonville: Le Nozze di Figaro, July 3; Die Fledermaus, July 10; and Little Women, July 17. Curtain time for these performances is 4 p.m.

Jim Swiggart, general director of Opera in the Ozarks since 1989, said, “There’s a lot of excitement about our upcoming season and the great lineup. Positive changes are happening at Inspiration Point, including welcoming the very talented and energetic Thomas Cockrell as our new artistic director. Thanks to his hard work and the diligence of our board and staff, we expect to have an outstanding 61st season.”

Cockrell, who is currently conducting auditions across the country and planning this summer’s season, served as the Opera’s music director for the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.

His opera credits include work at the Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Dayton Opera, The Opera Colorado Artist Center, Washington D.C.’s Summer Opera Theatre and the Spoleto Festivals in South Carolina and Italy.

Cockrell has also conducted symphonic, chamber and contemporary music concerts, as well as serving as Assistant to the Music Director for productions of Parsifal, Elektra and Salome.

A dedicated and gifted educator, Cockrell is also in demand as a teacher of emerging conductors.

“I am honored and thrilled to return to Inspiration Point as artistic director. I am committed to building upon Opera in the Ozarks’ rich tradition, while helping to lead it forward in an exciting period of promise. I look forward to working closely with the general director, the board and the staff to grow our program, nurturing excellence in every performance and every artist.”

Conceptual work has been completed for new theater facilities at Inspiration Point, and the board and staff of Opera in the Ozarks continue to work towards making these plans a reality. Last year, in recognition of its longstanding success, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism honored Opera in the Ozarks with their Grand Old Classic Special Event Award, an award presented to a festival, fair, or other special celebration which has “stood the test of time” and become an established example to follow for all that come afterward.
   
Tickets go on sale May 1.  For more information, including full performance schedules, Taste of the Opera dinners, community outreach programs and ticket information, visit www.opera.org.
                                                                    #

# # #

"The Extraordinary Escape," Eureka Springs is an eclectic getaway town in the heart of the Ozarks famous for our art, architecture, unique, locally owned shops, outstanding restaurants, historic hotels, BnB's, beauty, romance, & outdoor adventures.