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)
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).
*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.
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,
Julie[fbshare type="button"][google_plusone size="standard" annotation="none" language="English (UK)"] [twitter style="horizontal" source="@oneounceopera" float="none"]
History was made.
Were you there?
One week ago this evening, the doors opened. The vision of a few became the experience of many.
We officially launched One Ounce Opera, y’all!
It is still hard for me to verbalize, as difficult as that is for my husband to believe (ha). “Wow - did that really happen?” continued to be framed in my brain all weekend.
As both a Founder and a singer who has known struggle as an artist, I am floored by the support from the Greater Austin Community, and the attention from traditional and non-traditional media sources. We even made the 10 o’clock news.
On our very first solo gig. How cool is that?
Again, a HUGE, EPIC thank you to Red 7, all of our silent auction donors (and bidders!), and our Founding Supporters for making the evening possible.
“Possible” aptly describes last Thursday. It IS possible to put classical music where guitar rock prevails. It IS possible to tear away the pretense and allow an audience to cheer and holler and laugh. It IS possible to, as an artist, have a truly moving live performance experience without wearing an elaborate costume or singing over a professional orchestra in a massive concert hall.
As I’ve said before, if we want opera to be a part of the Live Music Scene in the Live Music Capital of the World, we have to put it where the live music is. We can no longer assume audiences will flock to us. The closing opera companies all over this country prove otherwise.
Economically, as a business owner, would you dare stand in your storefront doorway thinking, “I’ve got a great product that I care deeply about. People will want it. They will come to me”?
No.
You would put your product right in front of potential buyers. You would assume nothing, and expect everything. You would reach out to not only traditional sources for support, but seek out interesting new ways to cultivate allies and advocates. You would foster a climate for collaboration. You would continue to grow as your members / employees grew, and build upon their talents and strengths.
You would resist stopping short of your goal - to enrich the lives of those around you while feeding the source of light within you.
My hope for OOO is we enjoy this journey. Already, there are so many exciting things in the works. I can’t spill quite yet, but best believe we will surprise the hell out of everyone.
Myself included.
Cheers, friends.
-Julie
Silent Auction Items - WOW!
We now have the list of auction items for tomorrow’s special Launch Show and Party at Red 7. Set your sights on the prize!
Pedicab Tour of Downtown Austin from Dirtnail Padicab, Singing Valentines and Christmas Carols from The Green Twins, Voice Lesson at Fiore Music Studio, one month unlimited classes at Dancers Shape, custom cupcakes from Oh Baby! Cupcakes, custom designed website from Sam Fagan Designs, assortment of brownies and delights, cakes by Whisky Business Cakes, special artisan pieces from Metals Girl and Helena Back, matted photo from Control Images, assortment of beautiful handmade jewelry by Debra Hanson, and a treat from Mary Kay.
This list is pretty complete, but of course, is subject to late additions and possibly a few small changes.
On behalf of the OOO Ensemble and Advisory Council, a huge thank you to all of our donors and supporters. Make sure you thank them by visiting their businesses in the future and toasting them in person tomorrow evening!
All proceeds from this auction directly benefit the artistic endeavors and future development of OOO, its Members, and its Mission. We look forward to a successful auction and successful LAUNCH tomorrow at Red 7! Remember - cash and check only for the auction (there is an ATM nearby).
Doors open at 8:00, which is when the auction opens as well. The show will begin at 9:00, so get there early, grab yourself a drink, a handful of free snacks, and check out these fantastic, unique items from local artists and small business owners.
Thanks, and cheers, friends! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night!
Julie
OOO Launch - Moving Forward
As I sit down to write this post, I find it hard to focus. I sense my mind wandering. There is much to be done in the coming days. I launch an opera company on August 23, after all.
An “opera company.” For some reason, that just doesn’t sound right. Yes, we sing opera, and yes, this is technically a professional company of singing-artists, but the title “opera company” doesn’t quite seem to fit who and what One Ounce Opera is now, and what I hope for it as we move forward.
“Opera company” seems antiquated - one thing OOO is envisioning stripping from the word “opera,” period. For me, it evokes images of elaborate costumes, complicated sets, having to wear pantyhose and trying to share the armrest in a massive, cold hall. It also reminds me of being hired for a role, traveling to where the show will be, spending three weeks of solid rehearsals putting a show together and getting to know these new characters and the people playing them, and then - just like that - any chemistry you created and any ensemble you worked to build is severed when the final curtain goes down.
That is so far away from an One Ounce Opera experience. Look at full details less than book of ra no deposit.
Since April, we have been building something that would take a monster to tear down. We have been creating a sense of ensemble, a team. Rehearsals have become moments to spend with friends, and to explore within a vibrant atmosphere. We laugh a lot - mostly at ourselves - as we continue to surprise each other with bold choices and fresh ideas.
Regardless of what we call ourselves, this is a company of artists, first and foremost. Of that, I am proud.
I am also proud of the fact we have built a community. We rely on one another. And after we take our final bows late on Thursday, August 23rd, it will mark the beginning of something exciting instead of the end. This is the starting gate - the first whistle - and no end date is in sight.
Hope you can be there to help us kickoff One Ounce Opera, officially. We plan to be a part of the game for many, many years to come.
Cheers,
Julie
The reviews are in...
...and One Ounce Opera experienced “stunning success” at our first public performance on June 24th. As I mentioned in a previous entry, we were approached to sing at LeslieFest 2012 in Downtown Austin’s famed Red River District. Wish you could have been there!
After ear-splitting heavy metal and crowds yelling to speak to one another, you could literally hear a pin drop once our music began. Unsuspecting festival-goers were treated to a specially tailored, one-time-only concert program drenched in OOO style - a mixture of some classic slap-stick comedy, a touch of burlesque, simple sentimentality, honest communication, and of course, beautiful singing.
The audience was sold. The crowd easily multiplied as more were entranced by such an interesting sonic and theatrical experience. Memories were formed and emotions were bared. Those that knew Leslie Cochran literally reached out with hugs, saying, "he would've loved this."
More words from our audience keep flooding in, most new fans of opera who are still sharing their thoughts with us via Facebook, Twitter, email, and phone. The reaction has been everything a Founder could hope for. WE SANG OPERA IN A BAR AND PEOPLE LIKED IT.
Now, on to the next chapter of One Ounce Opera, where we continue sharing this gift of music and meaning. A warm, gracious “Thank You” to Brently Heilbron (the organizer of LeslieFest 2012), Juli Phillips (an owner at Lipstick24), volunteers and bartenders at the festival, and most of all, those who were there to help us make this such a positive, satisfying experience.
Cheers, and thanks,
Julie
Julie Fiore
Founder and General Director
One Ounce Opera
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