News
A Weekend at the Met
The Roberts Department of Music and Performing Arts went on a trip to the Metropolitan Opera last weekend to see Bizet's Carmen. Students and faculty enjoyed sight-seeing, dining in the city, and board game tournaments in the hotel (a staple of any RWC Music Department trip). From shared conversation over meals to the matinee performance, the simple and breathtaking moments were equally memorable. It's an exciting time to be part of music at Roberts. We think you'll hear it in the students' stories.
From China, Ophelia Li (’22) enjoyed spending time in NYC. She has seen other shows in the city but remarked, "This time, the feeling was different because this trip had you guys." Adrianna White (’19), Megan Tatro (’22), and Edward Reeb (’21) agreed that sharing the experience with their Roberts family was what made the trip truly special. Adrianna commented, "I was so thankful for the opportunity to share this experience with my Roberts family," and Megan remarked, "It was amazing to share such a memorable experience with people who appreciate it as much as I do." Edward added, “The trip was a wonderful experience that I will always remember and cherish. I am extremely grateful that I was able to see Carmen with my music department family.”
It was several students' first time in the city. Tyler Davis (’20) made the most of his time in the city by taking in all of its sights, sounds, and tastes. "My cousin is on Broadway, and in our time before Carmen, we got to see Times Square, Rockefeller Center, NBC, CNN, Jimmy Fallon's studio, Good Morning America, Broadway (specifically the theaters for Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanson, Anastasia, and Wicked), The Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral, accidentally walked by Seth Myers from SNL, and we got to ride the subway! I also got to try a New York Hot Dog and fries for the first time." Hunter Kostraba (’21) added, "The Met was truly an experience of a lifetime. Seeing Carmen and being able to go to Central Park really made my first time in NYC quite special!"
It was also several students' first time seeing a professional opera (although many have performed in fully-staged productions with the RWC Opera Theatre). Gabrielle Bailey (’21) exclaimed, "It was my first time seeing an opera, and I can easily say that I loved it! The performance of Carmen was truly astounding."
Experiencing a professional performance in the grandeur of the Opera House provided fresh inspiration for our voice majors. Abbegael Greene (’22) said, "It was so fun to experience the Met with some dear friends, and I loved watching all of the performers onstage and in the pit. I admire how each singer adopted their role so wholeheartedly; they really became their characters!" For Kaitlyn Newman (’19), 2018-19 RWCCO Concerto-Aria winner, watching a professional opera for the first time solidified her dream to be on stage. Junior vocal performance major Sarah Thomson (’20) agreed, “I was thrilled to see Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak perform live. Their performances inspire me to persevere in my own journey as a singer!” Katie McNeill replied, "The Met increased my appreciation and awe for opera - I can't wait to see my Roberts friends in an opera someday!"
Founded as an investment by a group of businessmen in 1883, the first Metropolitan Opera House was on Broadway and 39th Street. The Met rapidly outgrew its original facilities, moving to Lincoln Center’s state-of-the-art facilities in 1966. "I was in absolute awe of the Met itself,” mused Virginia Patrick (’20). “It looked like something out of my dreams."
With exotic music, sensational sets, and the exceptional pit orchestra, Carmen has something for everyone. In fact, for Melissa Pestinger (’19), the sets and pit were the highlight! It was Rebecca Mugnolo's (’20) second time seeing the production, and she enjoys it more each time. "Bizet's music is beautiful and timeless. I loved everything about my opera experience and am so grateful I got to enjoy it with my friends from school."
Bailey Thompson (’22) concluded, "I’m so grateful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to embark on such a trip." The department looks forward to coordinating further exciting weekend field trips in the future.
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Photo credit: Rob Willhoft & Katie McNeill
Written by Emily Hutchinson, 1.28.19