OOO Supports LGBTQ Youth With Saturday's Performance
***UPDATE! The Sat 10/24 9:30 show is now FREE for LGBTQ youth and their supporters! No ticket required. Informal meet-and-greet with the cast and creators immediately follows this special performance of TBITB!
A huge OOO Hoorah! goes out to Robin and Paul Cohen, whose generous donation covers our LBGTQ Youth Alliance Show! The gift was made “in memory of Gloria Payne, [OOO Member] Danny Cohen’s grandmother, who loved all things opera, loved to laugh, and would have appreciated the irreverent spirit of One Ounce Opera.”
(OOO is family, y’all. This is so special!)***
Greetings!
As many of you know, One Ounce has been workshopping and rehearsing a world premiere comic operetta titled “There’s Beauty In the Beast (TBITB).” This one-of-a-kind piece for five singing-actors opens this Friday, October 23rd. But it’s Saturday night’s late performance we are really looking forward to…
OOO is thrilled to designate Saturday, October 24th 9:30pm as our LGBTQ Youth Alliance show. This performance will feature an informal talk-back session with the cast and creators. Help us send these young people home laughing…before curfew, of course!
EVERY TWELVE DOLLARS donated to Austin Creative Alliance on our behalf between now and this Saturday will allow one LGBTQ youth — or their supporter or family member — entrance to There’s Beauty In the Beast Saturday night! Anything over will go into the OOO general outreach fund so we may share more opera with more people!
What makes TBITB so special? I sat down with creator Michael Nesline (Esther’s Follies, Gran Fury, et al). Here are his words:
The idea of a comic Frankenstein Opera came to me years ago, when a bunch of us threw a talent show for our own amusement. I was inspired (from who knows where) to write a little ditty for Madame Frankenstein to sing to her husband, of her bewilderment and heartbreak over the utter loss of his love and affection, now showered on the Creature. Â And, bowed but not defeated, she proposes a possible solution.
I realized there might be a potential story to be told, sat down in front of my Mac Classic, wrote a few songs and a silly script, put all of it in a drawer and there it marinated for the next 15 years.
[…]With all the wonderful hubbub swarming around the transgender community, it occurred to me that this seemingly overnight recognition of people heretofore rendered invisible could be the missing linchpin to join the comedy and sincerity of the [TBITB] script, giving depth and meaning to what risked being an otherwise cartoon story.
And that nicely mirrors what’s happening right now in our world, as our society acknowledges and welcomes the transgender community. To the extent we recognize that all of life is a variation on a theme. All our lives are made richer and deeper with meaning, anytime another of us comes out of the shadows, daring to be recognized. And taking to heart the simple truth that in variety is power and pride, joy and delight.
Thanks so very much for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at the World Premiere of There’s Beauty In the Beast!
Now Hiring! Work With OOO.
NOW HIRING! WORK WITH OOO.
Take us from piano to FORTE! Become a part of the OOO team, and instrumental in a non-traditional arts organization on the forefront of the alt-classical revolution.
We need your special skills. The company is looking for a Development Intern and an Administrative Intern to begin as soon as October. Here are the official postings:
Administrative: http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/classifieds/detail/28254
Development: http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/classifieds/detail/28255
Submit a resume and cover letter here. We cannot wait to meet you!
Three Years, New Dreams, Fresh Site
On August 23, 2012, The One Ounce Opera Company was christened during a well-attended launch party at Red 7. Perhaps you were there, or perhaps you are just now discovering OOO. Either way, you are the reason we do what we do, and the reason we are able to do what we do.
Thank you.
It's hard to believe almost three years have past. Three years of dreamy collaborations, rewarding work, and personal exploration. Three years humbled by accolades, awards, and attention. Three years of growth. Of friendship. Of music.
Now, the next chapter begins.
With the launch of our re-designed site and our newly-minted status as a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance, the next year will certainly be our biggest and best yet.
Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera and Art Song. A Jackass Opera Auction. The Divas and the Emcees. The return of OOO's Highfalutin Holiday. A progressive bicycle opera mystery. An interactive young people's opera. These ambitious projects -- and many more -- will be featured in the coming months.
These projects are designed for you, our curious and eclectic community. They are developed to continue to explore how classical music and culture fit into our ever-changing landscape.
Let's make way for the new around us. Let's re-imagine opera together.
Thank you for making the journey worthwhile,
Julie and the OOO Team
PS: excited by what you hear? Donate today!
PSS: we'll be announcing exclusive ticket pre-sales and member events through our NEWSLETTER. Don't miss out! Sign up now -- add your email in the footer below!
Call for Artists: Listening Garden III
Dear friends,
One Ounce Opera is producing the 3rd annual alt-classical showcase “The Listening Garden” at Clayworks Studio/Gallery on E 6th on Sunday, March 8th from 4-7pm. We are asking accomplished local classical musicians and composers if they would like to come share their latest works pre-SXSW in intimate spaces with a lovely crowd. Beer and wine will be available, and there is a food truck onsite as well. It is a family-friendly, relaxed event (as you know).
The event is “free”; however, donations will be taken (both preceding the event, at the door, and at the beverage table) so we may offer an honorarium for the artists. One Ounce Opera is a newly-sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance.
And we will have a harpsichord. 🙂
OK — now, the nitty-gritty “official” details:
Right now, we seek 3-4 additional acts/ensembles for the bill. We are scheduling these 15-30 minute sets between 4:15 and 7pm. There are three performance spaces — a kiln room for larger ensembles, an intimate studio gallery, and a beautiful outdoor garden with a stage. Acts will be rotated between them. Music should be acoustic, although a small amp for balance or an electro track is fine (just no PA).
If you would like to showcase your wares — or know some who might — we are asking to let us know by Monday, 2/16*. If we happen to receive more submissions than we have room, we will accept based on variety and when the submission was received (to be as fair as possible).
All participants will be notified of their time by Wednesday, 2/18.
If you’d like to participate, please send Julie Fiore (julie-at-oneounceopera-dot-com) the following:
1) The name of your ensemble (or your name if performing solo);
2) Your instrument/instruments;
3) Piece(s) you’d like to present (if known — otherwise, a general idea is fine), and the total time of your set;
4) a website (if applicable) for PR and the program, with a short 140 character bio/statement about the ensemble/you (you can send this later if you don’t have time just yet — no problem!);
5) anything else we might need to know, if applicable or if known at this time (equipment specs, if you need a piano or harpsichord, “I am only available from 5-6pm”, inside only, prefer outside, etc.).
Pictures of the venue and more about the newly-renovated space can be found here: http://www.clayworksvenue.com/
Of course, if you are not available, we’d be so grateful if you would be willing to forward this post to anyone who might be interested. We hope to curate a balanced and exciting showcase of music new and old, and hope to have you join us!
Best,
Julie and the OOO Team
*deadline extended! 🙂
[twitter style=”horizontal” float=”left”][fbshare type=”button” width=”100″]
BEERthoven Recital Series - Official Press Release from OOO
“BEERthoven Recital Series” Adds Bowling, One Ounce Opera to Program in Historic Texas Building
Intimate Concert Will Feature Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven…and Beer
AUSTIN, October 14, 2014 -- One Ounce Opera, an Austin Critics’ Table Award Nominee now in their third season, announces an upcoming performance on Sunday, November 2nd during the new Beerthoven Recital Series, produced by the Austin Saengerrunde and directed by pianist Daniel Swayze.
This concert series is described as “an intimate, experimental take on house-style concerts” featuring traditional German hors d’oeuvres and libations from Scholz’s while local classical musicians share their performances. The musical focus is on lieder (song) and chamber works from German-speaking composers. As a bonus, recital guests are invited to bowl at the historic Saengerrunde bowling center downstairs following the recital at no additional cost.
"I started working with the Saengerrunde in the Fall of 2013,” says Swayze, “and was delighted in coming to know this group of people that likes to drink beer, make dirty jokes, and celebrate German song. It seemed to me the perfect opportunity to make a unique venue that features local artists, and removes the stuffiness and formality of concert halls.”
OOO’s director Julie Fiore and her group agree. They encourage a new generation of opera lovers through non-traditional venue and program choices, and believe Austin is ripe with innovation.
Fiore says, “Our aim is to re-imagine opera in unexpected places, so why not above this treasure of a bowling alley? Plus, nothing goes better with bowling than beer. Add some German masterpieces to the mix and it’s an eclectic Austin afternoon!”
A special quartet of OOO’s professional vocalists (Cristina Flores, Fiore, Dalton Flake and Michael Holderer) will join Swayze and violinist Hyejin Chang in presenting adapted selections from J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. Also featured will be Brahms’ popular Hungarian Dances, and — of course — a few surprises.
“The timing of this concert is deliberate,” says Fiore. “We hope to soak up some of the good international mojo from those in town for Formula 1 that weekend, and show how we go ‘classical’ in Austin.”
Swayze experienced a “near sell-out” in June for the 1st Beerthoven event. “A high turnout will help establish this as a regular series, allowing people to feel more comfortable entering into the spirit of music and sense of community that the Germans describe as ‘Gemütligkeit.’”
The Beerthoven Recital Series will take place on Sunday, November 2nd at the Austin Saengerrunde, located at 1607 San Jacinto in Austin, TX. Showtime is 3:30pm. Ticket price includes Hors d’oeuvres and libations, and post-concert bowling. Purchase online at http://beerthoven.bpt.me/ For more information, contact OOO or visit http://www.saengerrunde.org
Why the Rising Popularity of Soccer in the US is a Good Sign for Opera Fans
Why the Rising Popularity of Soccer in the US is a Good Sign for Opera Fans:
An Examination of Two Imported European Traditions
by Julie Fiore, OOO Founder
I had an unique experience watching the USA v Portugal World Cup match yesterday. I wasn’t at a pub. I wasn’t in a typical bar. The game was hosted by a popular live music club in Downtown Austin called Red 7, transformed into a viewing room with a big screen on the stage. As the match kicked off, the electric crowd resembled one you’d expect at a rock show -- tattooed, pierced musicians applauding beside hip young professionals, and college students cheering alongside 30-somethings who work in the service industry.
It seemed those in attendance were not only fully-engaged in the action, but somewhat knowledgeable about the players, what the outcome would mean for the victor, and the overall rules of the game. And we weren’t alone: almost 25 million others were locked into the game -- a record for televised soccer in the US by a long-shot.
All of this for a sport once deemed “boring”, "melodramatic" and “full of softies” by most red-blooded Americans. Or -- if nothing else -- a silly game so steeped in Old World tradition that us Yanks would always feel disconnected.
So today, I wondered -- what could this cultural shift mean for other historically European traditions here at home? Specifically, what could this mean for a resurgence of opera and classical music in the United States?
You can reasonably draw all sorts of parallels between a soccer match and an opera. The drama unfolds slowly, beautifully, accented with moments of intense emotion -- usually joy or pain. You become deeply invested in the movement and development of the story and the characters involved. There is a hero. There is an underdog. There is oftentimes internal conflict between the rising talent and a sunsetting star. There are twists and turns and unexpected results, even if you think you know the story.
Consider the amount of risk involved for the players both physically and emotionally, both on the stage and on the pitch. If these highly-trained professionals do not perform as expected -- if they badly strike a ball or botch a high note -- they could be publicly blasted for having lost their edge. For disappointing fans. For losing the game.
There is a certain amount of musical grace to it all. Ebb and flow, one pass to another, sometimes a chorus moving -- no, crescendoing down the field, and sometimes a lone wolf locked in an intense one-on-one battle with their enemy. The offense and the defense work together seamlessly, much like the instrumentalists and the singers.
So could this renaissance-of-sorts for European Football mean that American audiences are learning to be more patient? More “attuned” to thoughtful, developing action instead of requiring constant high-energy assaults-of-the-senses (the barrage of advertisements, never-ending sounds, and big screens which have become a part of every modern NBA game, or the insanely elaborate light shows and heavily-amplified music at pop concerts)? Can our attention be truly held for longer than the commercial intervals now infamously worked into each NFL game? There certainly are no breaks during a soccer match, nor till intermission at an opera.
If Americans are able to appreciate the athleticism and artistry of soccer players, could the same be true for classical singers? Maybe it means we, as the true mutts of the globe, have re-discovered a bit of our world-wide ancestors’ human connection to the “beautiful game” just as we could -- and should -- to the grandest of all artistic imports: opera.
[twitter style="horizontal" float="left"][twitter_follow username="http://twitter.com/oneounceopera" language="en"] [fbshare type="button"][fblike style="standard" showfaces="false" width="450" verb="like" font="arial"] [google_plusone size="standard" annotation="none" language="English (UK)"]
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/
###
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
[twitter style="horizontal" float="left"] [fblike style="standard" showfaces="false" width="450" verb="like" font="arial"] [fbshare type="button"] [google_plusone size="standard" annotation="none" language="English (UK)"]
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.
###
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
[twitter style="horizontal" float="left"][fbshare type="button"] [linkedin_share style="none"] [google_plusone size="standard" annotation="none" language="English (UK)"]
Poster Contest, Mozart Murder Mystery
Calling all artists and designers! We are taking submissions for a poster/ flyer design for OOO's Mozart Murder Mystery show. DEADLINE 7/22! Winner gets $50!
Poster should include the performance date, place, times (there are 2 shows), ticket prices, and that tickets can be purchased on HoldMyTicket.com. OOO website should also be included, and a QR code would be an added bonus. See info here or here.
Send artwork to: julie@oneounceopera.com no later than next Monday, 7/22. Three will be chosen to be voted on by OOO fans, right here on this page, and the winner announced on 7/25. Once again, winner gets $50, and recognition on the interwebs, of course! Aaaaaaaand...GO!
Questions? Please do not hesitate to ask.
[twitter style="horizontal" float="left"][fbshare type="button"] [google_plusone size="standard" annotation="none" language="English (UK)"] [stumbleupon design="horizontal_large"]
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