Discovering 19th Century Female Voices

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 16:00

Company: Divaria Productions

Description

Divaria Productions is excited to share the world premiere of its original documentary series filmed during the pandemic, DISCOVERING 19TH CENTURY FEMALE VOICES, presented in partnership with Bay Street Theatre. 

The series features three episodes about prominent female voices in 19th century operatic history:

• Episode 1: Isabella Colbran—Discovering Mrs. Rossini      MARCH 16  4:00-5:00 PM
  

• Episode 2: Maria Malibran—A Spanish Diva In New York    MARCH 23  4-5:00 PM
  

• Episode 3: Pauline Viardot—The Heart Within The Music    MARCH 30 4-5:00 PM
  

The latter two women visited New York City in the 1820s and were involved in the very first Italian opera ever presented in NY. All three women were both singers and composers in their own right. The series features original scripts woven with first-hand material and music composed by/sung by these historical figures. The women will be featured in our "present" reflecting upon their life, interwoven with scenes from their era and text drawn from primary sources written by each woman(letters/diary entries). This series pioneers a new art form melding documentary film with opera where opera serves as the driving point of the story. As the series progresses across the 19th century, the experience of women slowly changes. We begin with Colbran, who today is mostly known as "Rossini's wife," when much of Rossini music was inspired by her and who was an important composer in her own right. We move through time to women who gradually assert their voices more and more.

We will take you on a journey through these women's lives and how they illustrated their experiences through song. The documentary series will be presented in the context of online classes which feature additional biographical material about the women's lives as well as the opportunity for questions and answers.

FOR TICKETS: call the Bay Street Theatre Box office (631) 725-9500.