Music Academy of the West to Present
Documentary 'The Audition' in Hahn Hall
For Immediate Release April 6, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Music Academy of the West will present a special high-definition screening of The Audition, award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke's compelling new documentary chronicling the pressures faced by aspiring Metropolitan Opera singers, at 7:30 pm on April 21 in Hahn Hall. Tickets cost $22. Free parking is available on the Music Academy campus.
Filmed during the dramatic final week of the 2007 Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions, The Audition captures the excitement and heartbreak of young singers pursuing one of the most demanding professions in the performing arts. Among the featured finalists is Music Academy alumnus Alek Shrader ('06 and '08), who attempts to sing nine high C's in the same fiendishly difficult aria that helped propel Pavarotti to stardom. Mr. Shrader sang the role of Dino Corelli in the Academy production of William Bolcom's opera A Wedding last summer. The film also chronicles the efforts of finalist Ryan Smith, who at the age of 30, and with little formal training, takes a final shot at a career in opera. Months after the film was completed he died of lymphoma.
The screening will include a panel discussion hosted by soprano Renée Fleming and with fellow National Council winners Susan Graham and Academy Distinguished Alumnus Thomas Hampson.
The 2008-09 "Live in HD" series at the Music Academy will conclude with Rossini's La Cenerentola, featuring Elīna Garanča, on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. The live simulcast will be presented at 9:30 am on Saturday followed by an encore screening on Sunday at 2 pm.
Launched in December 2006, the Met's groundbreaking "Live in HD" series features live transmissions of Met Opera performances to select venues in 17 countries throughout the world. The transmissions are in high definition, and performances are captured using robotic cameras and other advanced technologies. Simulcasts also include behind-the-scenes features, live interviews with cast and crew, and insightful short documentaries.
For more information, call 969-8787.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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