
If you've never been to an opera before, this could be the perfect taste of the historic art-form with a modern twist and some familiar faces.
Venerable mezzo soprano Erin Armstrong and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra are teaming up with Music Theatre students from St. Clair College for the 'Legend of Orpheus' at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor on Jan. 24 and 26, 2025.
This performance of the Legend of Orpheus, set in an early 19th Century 'steampunk' style, is a timeless tale headlined by Armstrong, playing the role of Orpheus. Joining the cast is the Windsor Symphony Orchestra Chorus and students from the St. Clair College Music Theatre program. This semi-staged opera promises all the drama you could hope for in one of the greatest operas - one that won't break the bank.
"I'm thrilled that we'll be presenting the epic tale of love and tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice," said Robert Franz, the long-time conductor at Windsor Symphony Orchestra. "Telling this tale will be a huge cast of soloists, orchestra, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and performers from St. Clair College. The size of the cast on stage will be matched by the scale and scope of this ancient tale."
St. Clair College's Music Theatre program coordinator was contacted by Franz, who has a reputation for creating alliances and building bridges in the community.
"When I was first approached by Maestro Robert Franz, he said he wanted to do something that this city has never seen before. He wanted to do this opera, but he thought we should make it steampunk and not traditional dancing," recalled Music Theatre program coordinator Kristyn Wiklanski, who noted Franz was looking to do something people wouldn't traditionally see in an opera. "Maestro Robert Franz loves working with the students so much. He loves providing them the opportunity for these experiences and he treats them like professionals when they arrive at the theatre."
Franz's vision was to create a production which views the opera in a fresh and illuminating light.
"The darkness of the early 19th century 'steampunk' era, along with that period's ideals of love and eternal bliss provided us with the perfect foil to depict this story," said Franz. "The story feels historic and at the same time current and fresh."
Hannah Rossi is a first-year student in the Music Theatre program, and says she chose to attend St. Clair College because of the number of performance opportunities available to students.
"I've done separate training before without performance and since performing is such a big part of our career, it is so important to have these opportunities to get your nerves out, to get comfortable on stage," Rossi said. "It would make it very difficult to go out into the world and be expected to know everything and we just wouldn't feel ready without these performances. "
Rossi will be dancing in the production and is excited to bring the story to life through movement.
"I am most excited to perform with a 36-piece orchestra, and a full chorus of singers as well as three professional opera singers, getting to experience the vibrance and the excitement from everybody," said Rossi. "It is every little piece that forms one big performance and having it all come together. Performing with professionals is so exciting because hopefully one day I will be in their position."
Wiklanski said students will benefit from the experience because there is nothing like being on stage with a full symphony.
"The inspiration that our students leave with from these performances is something that they will take with them for the rest of their lives," said Wiklanski. "I am a firm believer that we learn the most from doing and the experiential learning that these students gain from this experience will help shape the kind of professionals they become."
"The students are so inspired, and their level of professionalism rises to meet that of those they are working with. This is not something that is offered at any other college and our partnership with the Windsor Symphony is so special," she added.
Erin Armstrong will play the role of Orpheus, while soprano Chelsea Van Pelt is cast in the role of Euridice, and fellow soprano Brianna DeSantis will play the role of Amore.
"It's easy music to listen to because it's pretty, it's not complicated. You're going see some cool dances, you'll hear some great singing, and you'll get to experience one of the original art forms," said Armstrong.
For tickets to the show at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor, click here.