Jules, Author at One Ounce Opera Production Company

First Official Festival Appearance Announced!

One Ounce Opera has been asked to be a part of the First Annual “Leslie Fest,” a benefit scheduled for Sunday, June 24th at several fantastic venues in downtown Austin.

We will update as we know more, but the benefit will last from 4pm to around 11:00pm, and Leslie’s family and friends will be in attendance.

Update: OUR SET IS AT 7:45 at Lipstick24 (indoors).

This is a celebration. June 24th would have been Leslie’s 61st birthday.

This is also a fundraiser for Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, and a way for the community to come together in honor of yet another beautiful reason we have adopted the slogan around here, “Keep Austin Weird.”

If you are unfamiliar with the Legend of Leslie, ask any Austinite. I have also included a few links below for your reference.

OOO will share the bill with eclectic acts from the area - everything from clowns and comedians to marching bands and magicians.

We could not be more excited! Of course, any new announcements will be here as we get them. Add our blog to your RSS feed, just in case.

And don’t forget about our own FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN on Indiegogo. Your support will NOT go unnoticed, I assure you, and time is truly of the essence now! We’re going to need those boas. :)

Check out these links for more info:
http://www.facebook.com/events/162072623915989/
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/city/2012/04/20/friends-leslie-organize-fundraiser-benefitting-hospice-austin

Peace,
Julie

by Jules

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

by Jules

Announcing our Advisory Council

There have been many (many, many) people involved in this project becoming a real, live company, and I am proud to add a few of those names to a public forum.

Ann Sauder and Rebekah Smeltzer, two local Austin singers with loads of talent and experience, are officially stepping into very important roles as Assistants to the GD. In other words, my right and left hand gals! Thanks, ladies -- you are fab.

Jeanne Sasaki will be accompanying our auditions, and is a master at brainstorming and inspiring (me, in particular). Did I mention that the woman can play? She is a joy and such a consummate musician.

David Small has been a silent supporter since I crashed his office one morning with this crazy idea. This guy sings everywhere and with everyone, and I am thrilled to have him aboard! Enjoying world class talent five feet from the bar for little or no cover? What an amazing experience (and only in Austin!). Aren’t you getting excited?

Linda Hughes has done it ALL -- founded two successful theater schools for young people, directed large-scale musicals, toured as a professional figure skater, been a mentor and teacher to some of the most creative artists of the past two generations, and now, is “Head Diva” managing Amarillo Opera productions. Her expertise is second-to-none, and I am so blessed to have her in my ear.

***UPDATE: On May 24th, 2012, we added a new member to the Council. San Antonio Native Kristin Roach is now aboard and her talents are already shaping the first complete “season” of One Ounce Opera performances. Kristin is an exceptional vocal coach and music director, playing for the likes of Renee Fleming, and has worked at San Diego Opera, San Francisco Opera, Tulsa Opera, and San Antonio Opera. She is currently associated with the newly-formed “Opera Piccola” in San Antonio. Collaborations are in the works. Stay tuned!***

I am thankful for all of the support thus far, from friends (extra special shout-outs to Brandon, Lisa, and Maysoon!), family, peers, and mentors -- without you, this would not BE!

Auditions are coming together, and there a very few slots still available for Sunday, April 1st. If you know someone who is interested in singing for OOO, or you are, please send me your info ASAP (see the “Auditions” page for details)!

Cheers,
Julie

by Jules

How exciting is THIS?

I cannot wait to share this with everyone:

A completely new, fresh ensemble of professional, operatically-trained actors displaying their versatility and virtuosity for the audience’s delight.

Not just any audience, either. People frequenting the same venues and neighborhood joints that we do. No dress code. No binoculars. No hand-sitting. “Ounces” flowing...

And did I mention that opera singers know how to throw a great party?

This is not your mother’s (or grandmother’s!) Opera Company. This is ONE OUNCE OPERA.

Opera, Austinfied.

Blessings,
Julie

(Julie Fiore, General Director and Founder of OOO)

by Jules