Amici, the young friends of Opera Birmingham, continue our countdown to the opening night of Hamlet and our celebration of Opera Birmingham's 60th Anniversary season with our 60 Days of Opera countdown. (If you've missed the fun, check out the Amici facebook page or find us on twitter by following @AmiciBirmingham or searching the hashstag: #60DaysofOpera.)
Today we bring you a story from Shelly Ann Edge McDonald, a regular Opera Birmingham Chorus member, who offers a glimpse into the life of a chorister during a production's run:
Shelly Ann Edge McDonald
In 2005 I was studying vocal performance at UAB. The incomparable Mimi Jackson, who was then the Chorus Master for Opera Birmingham, came to the opera workshop at UAB and told us all about the OB Chorus. I could not get the information fast enough! I couldn’t believe that as a little ole’ college student I was eligible to sing in a professional opera.
I was thrilled to be a part of Aida, it was a big production for Opera Birmingham with an amazing cast. It even included an elephant! I learned first hand the hard work that goes into staging an opera.
Time to get down to work at the piano!
So what does that mean for chorus members? Long before the first chorus-only rehearsal, we receive our music, usually a reduced libretto (text and musical score) with just the chorus parts, and begin working on it on our own. We also receive a synopsis and translation of the opera in order to familiarize ourselves with the storyline. (Since we invariably perform in a foreign language, most of us wouldn’t know what we were singing without it.) Then we learn the text with help from a phonetic translation, adding in the notes, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics to give us a good foundation.
Staging Rehearsals - The Height of Glamour!
Rehearsals begin and we work on putting all those different aspects together with the rest of the chorus. We spend several months perfecting and polishing the music before staging rehearsals begin. In staging rehearsals we get to meet all the other cast members and learn how we will move about the stage. At this point we forget all our music, words, and dynamics -- that is, until we get comfortable with the staging. Then, to the immense relief of the director, maestro, and chorus master, it all comes back together. It is exciting and awe-inspiring to watch and be part of the process! There’s nothing like the feeling of the curtain rising on opening night, and hearing the audience’s applause for the first time.
Putting it Together with the Orchestra
Since performing in my first Opera, I have been in the chorus of five other Opera Birmingham productions. I consider myself very fortunate! Through the long rehearsals and late nights I have had the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented people. I have made lifelong friends and I have learned so much from watching, listening, and talking to the incredible singers who are brought in to play the principals.
A costume with pockets! The best! Turandot 2009
Cigarette Girls, Getting into Character for Carmen 2012
Enjoying the Cast Party - Bravi tutti!
I am thankful for the time I’ve had in the chorus and hope to sing in many more productions!
Stay tuned for more stories from the Opera Birmingham family! The countdown for Hamlet's opening night is on - just 44 days to go! Get your tickets here.
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