The COVID-19 pandemic has dropped the curtain on many performance venues, but not one of opera’s more punchy events. Diva Cage Match was set to take the stage in Eugene last May, but has now reinvented itself for a virtual crowd. However, it’s no less outrageous for it.
In the wake of coronavirus concerns and Governor Brown’s statewide directive to limit public gatherings to 250 people or less, many events are being canceled or rescheduled.
Amid the larger construction projects in Eugene is a small but impactful building at the corner of 16th and Pearl. The new Midtown Arts Center is a unique mixed-use concept.
The Eugene Opera performs “As One”, a contemporary opera about a transgender woman and her journey to self-realization. Performance times are Friday (5/17) at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday (5/19) at 2:30 p.m. in the Soreng Theater of the Hult Center in Eugene.
Last year, financial problems nearly put the Eugene Opera out of business. But it was able to pay off its debts with the community’s help. This weekend, the Eugene Opera performs Maria de Buenos Aires in the Hult Center’s Soreng Theater.
Eugene Opera is reinventing itself, after canceling half of its previous season due to financial difficulties. New executive director Erika Rauer [rhymes with “tower”] outlines the organization’s new creative and financial vision, with KLCC’s Eric Alan.
Tonight (Tuesday) the Eugene Opera will hold a second public meeting about its finances. The news is not good. Two productions have been suspended, and the company faces a substantial fundraising challenge to stay alive.
It's Butter Week in Russia, a Mardi Gras-like holiday that takes place the week before the start of Russian Orthodox Lent. Eugene restaurant Party Downtown has a special Russian menu Friday and Saturday that embraces the celebration's decadence.
The classic lyric opera Eugene Onegin melds the music of Tchaikovsky with the literature of Alexander Pushkin, creating a romantic and dramatic piece. Eugene Opera will do a fully-orchestrated version with an international cast on Friday, March 11th and Sunday, March 13th at the Hult Center in Eugene. Eugene Opera general director Mark Beudert and music director Andrew Bisantz speak with Eric Alan.
To launch its 38th season, Eugene Opera presents Donizetti’s romantic comedy The Elixir of Love. Metropolitan Opera star Marco Nistico plays Dr. Dulcamara , the purveyor of this elixir. He speaks with Eric Alan, along with Eugene Opera’s musical director, Andrew Bisantz.
Eugene Opera presents Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West at the Hult Center in Eugene, starring the Metropolitan Opera’s Emily Pulley. The opera is part of a larger citywide celebration of the women of the pioneer American West. Emily Pulley speaks with Eric Alan about her role, the cinematic score, and the universal themes of the Wild West.
Guest Speakers: Mark Beudert, General Director, Eugene Opera, and Director of Opera Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame; Emily Pulley, Metropolitan Opera soprano
Verdi’s once-controversial opera La Traviata has become an enduring standard. Eric Alan speaks with Andrew Bisantz and Mark Beudert about the Eugene Opera’s presentation of La Traviata, including the star power of soprano Leah Partridge, and why Verdi’s musical approach was revolutionary.
