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)

 


Movin' and shakin'

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Happy Fall, e'rybody.  Hard to believe we launched OOO over two months ago - we've been busy to say the least.  Things are movin' and shakin' this season, and we look forward to a busy Holiday.  Here is a quick update on what we've been up to (well, what we can share, at least).

Got another recommendation from Austin Chronicle for our Halloween Show. Ah, yeah.

*We've grown AGAIN!  I would like to announce several new members into the OOO Family:

-Austin Siebert, baritone, and Dalton Flake, tenor, were welcomed into the OOO Ensemble and have already performed with the crew.  We are excited to show these two off!

-Charmaine Ramos Flake, pianist, was accepted into our new apprentice accompanist position.  We are thrilled to be able to present her this opportunity.  She will be covering for our esteemed pianist Jeanne Sasaki on occasion - be on the lookout for this talented gal.

-Elizabeth Knudson, Maureen Broy Papovich, and Emily Wicker have been added to our Auxiliary Ensemble after successful auditions in late September.  Welcome, ladies!  These fantastic sopranos form an important supporting cast for the Ensemble, and we look forward to the opportunity to use them.

*Shows, shows, shows!

WOW - so many things going on in the last few weeks!  Here's what we've been up to - each completely different from the last, so a unique experience every time.

THIS week:

11/10 at the E.A.S.T (East Austin Studio Tour) Official Party.  Another truly collaborative, innovative event that OOO is so excited to partake in.  Suffice it to say we will be "part of the art."  Info here.

An update on recent shows:

10/25, OOO was invited back to participate in the Thursday Noon Concert Series at Central Presbyterian Church.  We always enjoy our time singing in this acoustically-friendly environment, and appreciate the chance to share our personal favorites and try out a few new pieces. There were some stellar solo performances this day!  Thanks to those who joined us for an "ounce" of opera during your lunch break.

Dalton, Julie, Ann, Jeanne and Michael at the Weimary

10/27 at The Weimary in Weimar, TX -a memorable Oktoberfest Saturday Sunset Concert complete with wine and authentic German food . With Jeanne Sasaki on keys, Ann Sauder, Dalton Flake, Michael Holderer and I shared our favorite songs from stage and screen (BROADWAY, baby!) from 5:00-7:00pm.  A beautiful Saturday get-away.  The moon was full in the east as the orange sun set in the west - truly a beautiful evening!  Stay tuned for information about our next Weimary event.

10/31 HALLOWEEN Special at Rusty's on 7th in Downtown Austin.  Oh, my.  What better way to celebrate Halloween than with OOO?  Trust me - this was a not-to-miss show.  Burlesque ghosts, guts, chains, a blow-up doll, and an important PSA about "Phantom of the Opera" - yes, please!  Tickling the keys on this event was fabulous guest pianist, Johan Botes.  Thanks to all who came out - video clips posted soon (or post them to our FB wall!  more info below).

*Easy booking for Holiday House Parties (did someone say PARTY?)

OOO has teamed up with hearitlocal.com to provide a super fast, easy way to snag OOO for your next private event, right from our Facebook page.  Want to host OOO but don't have the funds?  You can also choose to crowdfund your party!  How cool is that?  Check it out.

*Pro DVD coming soon!

Our Launch Party on 8/23 was filmed by the fabulous professional crew at Freckled Fanny Productions, and they are hard at work editing the footage for a classy DVD, which should be available in time for holiday gift-giving.  Quick note for those who participated in our IndieGoGo fundraising campaign back in June/July and chose the DVD option as your "reward": You will be mailed a copy as soon as we get them (along with your OOO bumper stickers).  If you have questions about this, please do not hesitate to let me know.

*Got footage or audio to share? 

Did you catch a silly OOO moment on your iPhone?  Run into us at a recent flash mob and happen to be filming?  Record a few special moments from a past performance?  Please share!  We would love to feature your footage on our website or Facebook page.  Simply email the video directly to me (or upload to YouTube and email me the link).  Thanks in advance!

One Ounce Opera is making quite a stir, and we owe a large part of our success to YOU, our fantastic supporters and friends.  We do consider you family!  Please consider us when out and about around town, and continue to share the sheer joy of rogue opera with those you care about.  Remember, we are independent and unaffiliated, sustained by our audiences alone.  We literally cannot survive without your support - and for that, we will be forever grateful.

There is much look forward to.  My head is spinning, and our collective minds are brimming with new ideas and innovative concepts to showcase the immense scope of talent involved with this dedicated modern opera company.  I am overwhelmed each and every day with gratitude.

Hope to see you soon.

Cheers,

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The One Ounce Opera Family Grows

On a very warm April Fool’s Day, a full afternoon’s worth of prospective singers from across Central Texas participated in the very first round of One Ounce Opera auditions.

Singing pieces spanning centuries - Mozart to Puccini, Rossini to Sondheim - talented vocalists shared their gifts and gave inspired performances of arias, art songs, musical theater gems, and even a few torch songs.

In hindsight, we should have sold tickets to this great event! :)

The sheer display of positive energy and vocal “chops” made my decisions that much more difficult.

That being said...

...I am so, so ready to announce the results!

New Members of the One Ounce Opera Ensemble include:
Erin Bales, Emily Breedlove, Claudia Chapa, Tamsen Cohagan, Cristina Flores, Davy Green, Michael J. Holderer, Jake Jacobsen, Elise Leung, and Brian Pettey.

Ann Sauder, David Small, Rebekah Smeltzer and I are excited to have the chance to sing with this diverse and unique group of talented people.

Special thanks to Jeanne Sasaki for playing the auditions, and to Central Presbyterian Church for hosting us.

If you would like to donate your space and host a rehearsal or an official OOO meeting, please let us know ASAP!

We will keep you updated as we move forward. Exciting times await us.

Cheers,
Julie

Julie Fiore
Founder and General Director
One Ounce Opera