Performances planned for Aug. 2-5
PHOENICIA, N.Y. (June 25, 2012) – After being hit hard last year by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, Phoenicia is ready to celebrate its recovery. The third annual Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice, which features world-class musical performances, is set for Aug. 2-5. For four days, this unique event transforms the picturesque mountain village of Phoenicia into a hub of the vocal arts.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to the Festival of the Voice in Ulster County,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “Visitors to our area and residents enjoy so many amazing performances each year. This year’s Festival is especially poignant, following the rebuilding that has been done since Hurricane Irene hit last Fall. Phoenicia, like the rest of Ulster County, is back in business. This will truly be a wonderful celebration of the arts and of Phoenicia.”
The format of the festival is based on a European model that uses the whole town for performance venues. During the Festival, three churches, two art galleries, parks, streets, coffee shops and the local theater become locations for performances.
This year’s signature event is a performance of Madame Butterfly. Puccini’s soaring, haunting and captivating opera features an international cast and the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra conducted by Metropolitan Opera maestro Steven White. Celebrated Korean/American soprano Yunah Lee will perform in the lead role as Cio Cio San. Tenor Richard Troxell will perform as Pinkerton, with Nina Toshida as Suzuki and Louis Otey as Sharpless. Bring your wine, picnic and blanket and enjoy this timeless classic under the stars on the beautiful Festival Stage in Phoenicia’s Parish Field.
Phoenicia’s Bridge Street Bridge, one of two bridges leading into the hamlet, was damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Irene but thanks to the Ulster County Department of Public Works, is now reconstructed and will welcome travelers to the festival the beginning of August.
“Phoenicia’s Bridge Street Bridge has been beautifully restored,” said Maria Todaro, one of the co-founders of The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice along with Otey and Kerry Henderson. “We are truly grateful to County Executive Mike Hein and the Town of Shandaken for working so diligently to complete this bridge project, which will ensure The Festival of the Voice’s success this summer.”
INFORMATION
The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice
Schedule: Aug. 2-5
Website: www.phoeniciavoicefest.com
Ticket information: Tickets can be purchased online through the website or by calling 845-586-3588.
LISTING OF EVENTS
The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice
AUGUST 2
7:30 pm
Divas Unleashed: “The Benefit” – Operatic comedy starring festival co-founder, mezzo soprano Maria Todaro and soprano Michelle Jennings
10:00 pm
Full Moon Fundraising Dinner (following “Divas Unleashed”) – Under the August full moon, The Festival will present a Japanese themed fund raising dinner.
AUGUST 3
10:00 am
Latte Lectures With Cori Ellison – Join opera dramaturge Cori Ellison for an informative jolt of java and culture at Phoenicia’s favorite coffee spot!
11:00 am
Uncle Rock – Robert has been dazzling audiences of all ages with his inspiring music that bridges the gap between adult and children’s music seamlessly.
1:30 pm
Prana and Mongolian Throat Singer – Prana is a nine voice, a cappella, overtone singing choir from Woodstock. Their sound is a unique mixture of western vocal music and the musics of Tibet, Mongolia and India.
2:00 pm
Lovers By Brian Friel – VOICETheatre presents this heartwarming celebration of love and the immediacy of the now by celebrated Irish Playwright Brian Friel.
4:30 pm
“La Voix Humaine – The Human Voice” – Poulenc’s one-woman opera is a tour de force, an exploration of the human condition via a woman’s last phone call to her lover.
7:30 pm
Voices of Distinction: Broadway – Some of the finest young talent the Great White Way has to offer along with a surprise veteran. This show will knock your socks off!
10:00 pm
Late Lounge with Gryphon Rue – Chill out with New York based songwriter, composer, improviser, and sound artist, Gryphon Rue in the Festival’s first “Late Lounge” !
AUGUST 4
10:00 am
Latte Lectures With Cori Ellison – Join opera dramaturge Cori Ellison for an informative jolt of java and culture at Phoenicia’s favorite coffee spot!
11:00 am
Story Laurie – Savor the true sound of the Catskills with regional darling Story Laurie, who will be joined in this performance by her husband, Ira McIntosh.
11:00 am
The Cambridge Chamber Singers – Founded in 2008 by alumni of the Harvard Chamber Singers, the Cambridge Chamber Singers combines performances of the highest musical caliber with a commitment to community outreach.
2:00 pm
Lovers By Brian Friel – VOICETheatre presents this heartwarming celebration of love and the immediacy of the now by celebrated Irish Playwright Brian Friel.
2:00 pm
Vocal Masterclass with Opera Dramaturge Cori Ellison – Come take a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how opera singers prepare their roles.
3:00 pm
Carey Harrison: “The Poetry Voice. Oratory and Titillating Forensics” – Novelist, dramatist and celebrated orator Carey Harrison will discuss how speaking poetry aloud has changed in the past hundred years
4:30 pm
Love’s Kingdom presented by Liederworks – Song Recital celebrating the joys and tribulations of love featuring tenor Barry Banks, baritone Kerry Henderson, international piano duo, Duo Lontano and flutist Eugenia Zukerman.
7:30 pm
Madama Butterfly – Puccini’s soaring, haunting and captivating Madama Butterfly opera with an international cast and Woodstock Chamber Orchestra conducted by Metropolitan Opera maestro Steven White.
10:00 pm
Late Lounge with Ambrosia Parsley and Friends – Join alternative rock goddess Ambrosia Parsley and wind down in one of Phoenicia’s favorite eating spots. For over a decade Ambrosia Parsley provided the heart, face and voice of Shivaree, critical darlings in the US, left-field chart-toppers abroad.
AUGUST 5
10:00 am
Latte Lectures With Cori Ellison – Join opera dramaturge Cori Ellison for an informative jolt of java and culture at Phoenicia’s favorite coffee spot!
2:30 pm
Barbershop! ‘Round Midnight and Voices of Gotham – Join two of the premiere barbershop groups in the country and experience harmony in action!
4:30 pm
A Tribute to Peter Schickele – Six Choirs and a Nine Foot Concert Grand will celebrate the accomplishments of local resident, national treasure and American Composer and Performer, Peter Schickele. Featuring concert pianist, Justin Kolb. Conducted by Douglas Martin.
