What does a highly-selective, performance-based training program for operatic artists do in the midst of a pandemic? Innovate.
Embarking on another year after a season cut short by Covid-19, Boston University Opera Institute has adapted to optimize the student performance experience in the face of pandemic restrictions and a world in tumult. The Opera Institute’s Digital Performance Series is translating the typical live audience experience into a slate of thoughtfully-produced virtual performances.
Shortly after the start of the Fall 2020 semester, with news of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (among many other things a notorious opera lover), Artistic Director of the Opera Institute William Lumpkin asked his students if any of them had songs that would be appropriate to memorialize her.
Several student-artists had songs come to mind that struck the right chord in this moment, and got to work to record them in collaboration with the Opera Institute's faculty pianists (William Lumpkin, Allison Voth, and Matthew Larson). Gabrielle Barkidjija, Maureen Brabec, Caroline Corrales, Kailiegh Riess, and Hyungjin Son composed their own short videos speaking about why they chose their pieces, and some even reflected on a personal connection to RBG herself.
Opera Institute Young Artist Caroline Corrales (CFA’20,’22), who recently earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from CFA School of Music, reflected on why this project resonated with her. “To me, this project is important because RBG was such an incredible human being and Justice; she shaped our world as we know it and made so many things possible for me as a woman.” She continued, “Justice Ginsburg was an enormous fan of opera and had been an avid supporter of the arts, which is not always commonplace in our government. Having an iconic, powerful presence like her in the audience of our national opera house year after year is very exciting and validating to our art form. We all wanted to honor her in a way that we know she would have appreciated: through classical music.”
Boston University Opera Institute Digital Performance Series: A Tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Gabrielle Barkidjija (CFA’22), mezzo-soprano
Selections from Resolved by Patrice Michaels
Allison Voth, pianist
Maureen Brabec (CFA’21), soprano
“Vissi d’arte” from Tosca by Puccini
William Lumpkin, pianist
Caroline Corrales (CFA’20,’22), soprano
“Invictus” by John Edmond Thomas III
William Lumpkin, pianist
Kailiegh Riess (CFA’21), soprano
“Zueignung” by Richard Strauss
William Lumpkin, pianist
Hyungjin Son (CFA’22), baritone
“Tu, ca nun chiagne” by Ernesto De Curtis
Watch and listen to BU opera students' tributes to the Notorious RBG.
Later this fall as part of the Digital Performance Series, the Opera Institute will release Fringe 2020, a reimagined virtual festival of solo operas produced social-distance style.
Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Music: Opera Institute
The Opera Institute at CFA School of Music is an intensive, highly selective two-year performance-based training program for emerging operatic artists. A professional faculty and renowned guest artists provide personal support and training in all areas pertinent to a career in opera, including voice, acting, languages, and movement styles. Additionally, the Opera Institute also selects undergraduate and graduate singers from the School of Music who demonstrate true operatic potential and have mastered an intermediate integration of acting, vocal, and movement skills for the Opera Theater, Opera Workshop, and Opera Project programs. Learn more at bu.edu/opera.