The 6th Annual Fresh Squeezed Ounce Call for Compositions is Live!
WE'RE SO EXCITED. IT'S THAT TIME!
To see details and rules, and to apply now, click on the link below!
Killer Queen! Official press release for OOO's next super-collaboration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Julie Fiore, julie@oneounceopera.com
Austin's Alternative Opera Company Will Rock You on Oct. 26
One Ounce Opera + Magnifico = KILLER QUEEN
AUSTIN, October 11, 2013 -- One Ounce Opera, an Austin Critics' Table Award Nominee for 2012-13, announced they will share the stage with local Queen tribute band Magnifico in a special one-night-only show. This is the first collaboration between the two groups.
"We've been talking about this for over a year now," says OOO founder and general director Julie Fiore, "so I can't tell you how excited OOO is to literally rock out."
That is exactly what Fiore and the One Ounce Opera Ensemble -- a professional group of "singing-artists" -- plan to do on Saturday, October 26th on Red 7's outside stage. When asked about performing opera away from the traditional performance hall, she says, "Our aim is to re-imagine opera in unexpected places. We actually launched our company at Red 7 last year. It fits. It works. People get it."
The company's performers felt a palpable audience reaction during Soundspace at the Blanton in March, for which their original post-classical performances earned them the aforementioned Austin Critics' Table Award Nomination. Fiore believes this is because Austin is ripe for innovation, and her group hopes to encourage a new generation of opera lovers through non-traditional venue and program choices.
Fiore says, "What's more synonymous with opera than the music of Queen?"
Adam Sultan, multi-talented musician/performing artist and guitarist for Magnifico, agrees. He says, "Playing the music of Queen is a challenge, especially when trying to be faithful to the complex vocal arrangements on their albums, so we're especially excited to have One Ounce Opera to help take Magnifico's live set to a whole new level."
Among the varied set lists, the two groups will perform such favorites as "Somebody to Love," "Killer Queen," and, of course, the ubiquitous "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Sultan adds, "Even Queen couldn't ask for more!"
"Killer Queen" is presented by Transmission Events, and will take place on Saturday, October 26th at Red 7 (outside), located at 611 E 7th St. Doors are at 9:00. General admission tickets available for purchase online at http://transmissionevents.queueapp.com/events/1016. For more information, contact Fiore, or visit OOO at www.oneounceopera.com, or visit Magnifico at http://blog.magnificoqueen.com/
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One Ounce Opera aims to prove "opera is not obsolete; popular opinion of opera is". OOO provides a come-and-go, laid back, interactive atmosphere to experience a virtuosic sonic event up close and in small, powerful doses – just “one ounce” of opera. OOO was founded by Austinite Julie Fiore in April 2012. For more information, visit www.oneounceopera.com
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Official Press Release: Mozart Murder Mystery on August 23rd
PO Box 301716
Austin, TX 78703
Austin-based One Ounce Opera to Re-imagine Mozart in an Original Murder Mystery
Central Texas' Alternative Opera Company will Celebrate First Anniversary on Aug. 23
AUSTIN, August 16, 2013 -- One Ounce Opera, an Austin Critics' Table Award Nominee for 2012-13, announced it will open its second season with an original production that combines scenes from W.A. Mozart's masterpieces Cosi fan tutte, Le nozze di Figaro, and Don Giovanni.
"The idea came to me one morning when I put my favorite Mozart operas on shuffle," says OOO founder and general director Julie Fiore. "I thought, 'Wow, this sounds congruent. Interesting.' I wondered what madness would be created if these characters or scenarios co-existed. Mozart's music drips with irony and innuendo. The stories already invite mystery. What if we just changed the subtext -- the situation -- mixed it all up, and watched the underlying musical conflict work itself out in a modern environment?"
That is exactly what Fiore and the One Ounce Opera Ensemble -- a professional group of some fourteen "singing-artists" -- will do during two shows on Friday, August 23rd at the Spiderhouse Ballroom, which will commemorate the company's first anniversary. She says, "Our launch last year was at Red 7, and our aim is to re-imagine opera in unexpected places, so the Ballroom at Spiderhouse made perfect sense. And, of course, what goes better with Mozart and mystery than a good martini?"
Fiore first assembled the group of “singing-artists” after holding local auditions in April of 2012, and added four new members in June of 2013. She selected people who committed to strong and fearless performances -- an integral skill when presenting alternative programs and attracting hipper audiences.
“You will immediately sense each singer's love for what they do and what they have trained tirelessly for. Our company members have performed leading and supporting roles at San Diego Opera, Washington Opera, Indianapolis Opera, to name a few, and overseas,” Fiore added.
The company's performers felt a palpable audience reaction during Soundspace at the Blanton in March, for which their original post-classical performances earned them the aforementioned Austin Critics' Table Award Nomination. Fiore believes this is because Austin is ripe for innovation, and her group hopes to encourage a new generation of opera lovers through non-traditional venue and program choices.
As Fiore is fond of saying, “Opera is not obsolete. Popular opinion of opera is.”
The OOO Mozart Murder Mystery, presented in English, will take place on Friday, August 23 at the Spiderhouse Ballroom, located at 2906 Fruth St. Showtimes are 8:00pm and 10:30pm. VIP and general admission tickets available for purchase online at http://holdmyticket.com/buy/venues/oneounceopera. For more information, contact Fiore or visit OOO at www.oneounceopera.com.
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One Ounce Opera aims to provide a come-and-go, laid back interactive atmosphere to experience a virtuosic sonic event up close and in small, powerful doses – just “one ounce” of
opera. OOO was founded by Austinite Julie Fiore in April 2012 and will officially launch their second season in August 2013. For more information, visit www.oneounceopera.com
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OOO Nominated for Austin Critics' Table Award!
Announced early Thursday morning, 5/23/13, One Ounce Opera received its first awards nomination -- and during our very first season! The team is humbled, excited, and feeling really blessed.
Our Austin Critics' Table Nomination was for our four collective performances as a part of Soundspace at the Blanton, back during SXSW in March.
The four scenes were directly inspired by pieces on display at the Blanton Museum of Art, and a mix of post-classical influences including electronic and rock music genres. Musicians involved were Collin Bass (guest artist, DJ track contribution), Emily Breedlove, Dalton Flake, Julie Fiore, Lauryn Gould (guest artist, flute), Michael Holderer, Jake Jacobsen, Chaz Nailor, and Rebekah Smeltzer, and they presented the following (click on the links to see video!):
- Improvised Amp'ed Flute and Voice (Emily and Lauryn)
- Live Opera + Dubstep Experiment (Julie and Rebekah, with Dalton "conducting")
- Gershwin Meets Harlem Renaissance (Chaz, featuring an original track by Collin)
- Super Mario Anvil Chorus (Chaz, Dalton, Jake and Michael, featuring an original track by Collin)
OOO is in pretty awesome company, too. Read the full nominations. I know I am still floored. It's great news to wake up to -- and all before my morning coffee.
Cheers, friends, and congrats to all!
-Julie
We made it!
Hello, friends.
WOW.
The first season of One Ounce Opera is officially complete, but the party has most definitely just begun. In fact, this coming Monday, the entire OOO team and I are excited to record some big tracks in the acoustically gorgeous sanctuary at Central Presbyterian Church. Fancy pants. We'll be sure to share the songs as soon as they are mastered...and maybe even include them on a new album? Who knooooooows?
Such amazing opportunities await OOO, after a brief interruptus for summer travels (note: did you know several of us are going to be performing in operas overseas? Stay tuned for personal updates from the lucky singers).
Now, this doesn't mean that we won't be sangin'. There are weddings that scream for Puccini (um, every wedding? haha), private parties to skillfully serenade, and surprise public places/functions to flash mob (we're supposed to be there...we promise!). Our entire company will just be partially separated by a big ocean for a while.
Sniff, sniff.
For now, here are a few hints on what's cookin' next season, which kicks off with a BIG 1st Anniversary Extravaganza on 8/23/13. Think you've got us figured out? Comment below! "Winners" get in to our next show FREE!
HINT #1: No escape from reality.
HINT #2: Don't "slam" your foot in the door!
HINT #3: I think my eye just fell off. Got a spare?
Ooooh......
Ta ta for right now,
Julie
Julie Fiore, OOO Founder and General Director
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2013 is gonna ROCK hard, y'all.
The excitement from the secret chambers of OOO's meetings (i.e., over a beer or two) is harder and harder to stifle -- and we don't wish to. This new year brings new challenges, varied collaborations, and abounding possibilities.
We will once again stretch ourselves and question the limitations of "our" music, seeking to surprise and move our loyal audiences.
All throughout February -- in fact, every Saturday evening -- catch a rotating small group of OOO Singers during Institution Theater's BITTERFEST. Tickets are available online or at the box office, but the space is limited, so we suggest getting them early! Check each individual event page to see which of your favorite singers are slated each week, as we join improv masters and other local performance artists in a free-for-all f-you-v-day variety show.
On Valentine's Day, OOO singers will perform at TWO free events. Once again, we are pleased to be invited to sing in the gloriously acoustic Central Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, as a part of the famous Thursday Noon Concert Series. The concert is (redundancy alert!) at noon, and is meant for a perfect lunchtime break. See their site for more info on reserving your lunch and parking, etc.
THEN, for happy hour, a trio of OOO singers will be sharing some favorites at the Whole Foods-Gateway from 5:00-7:00. Here's the info for what we think is the perfect amuse buche to your V-day dinner plans!
Also, have you checked out the newly-added singer bios? I mean, come on. We'll add our mugshots soon, too, and some solo clips of us showing off, so stay tuned for that. How lucky are we to have these fantastic singers here locally, much less a part of OOO? So much talent...
There are many, many other so-awesome-we-can't-say-anything-yet-for-fear-of-jinxing-our-mojo concert/performance opportunities coming this spring, and the possibility of bringing OOO to outlying communities (rogue opera on TOUR, yo - we'll earn that rockstar cred yet!). When you come see us at these events in February, make sure you come say "hello" -- introduce yourself! -- so we can be sure to thank you for your continuing support. Truly, dreams coming to fruition. We feel AMAZING.
Cheers again, friends,
Julie
(Julie Fiore, OOO Founder and Director)