OperaNorth.org
Title
OPERA NORTH 2005
Description
One of last year’s newspaper reviewers put her finger on it last year: “singers and musicians whose performances here rival any in the metropolitan theaters.” Opera North’s audiences are consistently amazed that a rural/small town environment can contain a professional opera of national caliber. Typical comments on the 2004 audience response card: “A fabulous resource for the community. Totally marvelous.” “worth the drive up from western Massachusetts” “..I hope to see more performances in future years. Thank you!” and just plain “Wow!”
And professional critics agree. As long ago as 1997, Money Magazine named Opera North one of the best summer opera festivals in the world. The national magazine Opera News has been consistent in its praise, in 2003 citing the orchestra as “best on the summer circuit.” In 2004, we received seven awards in various categories from OperaOnline, for being tops in summer season opera productions.
Opera North began life in1981 as an offshoot of Parish Players, a local community theater. The late David Strohmeyer directed such standards as The Mikado and HMS Pinafore with the able musical assistance of the young director of the Dartmouth Glee Club, Louis Burkot. After Strohmeyer’s departure from the area, Burkot developed the company into a highly competent community-based group, adding to the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire such works as Così fan tutte, The Marriage of Figaro, Brigadoon and Die Fledermaus. Performances were in English, with piano or chamber orchestra accompaniment, in grange halls and town halls as well as local theaters. Since 1987, Burkot has been artistic director of the company.
