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ASH LAWN OPERA PRESENTS NOYE'S FLUDDE

Charlottesville youth and educators will join Ash Lawn Opera in presenting Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde , to be held on October 24 & 25 at First Presbyterian Church on Park Street.

Noye's Fludde was written expressly to bring professionals and amateurs together in performance.  This production features professional opera director R.B. Schlather of New York, as well as Charlottesville High School Chorus Director Will Cooke and Charlottesville High School Orchestra Director Laura Mulligan Thomas. Renowned baritone Alexander Tall and exquisite soprano Kate Mangiameli sing the principal roles of Noye and Mrs. Noye.

This opera was written to be performed in a large hall or church instead of a professional theater space, making First Presbyterian an ideal venue.  From beginning to end, this family-friendly opera would not have been possible without the commitment and efforts of the Charlottesville community. The idea for this project comes from the vision of Judith Walker, general director of Ash Lawn Opera. Her wish to promote outreach to the city's children has fueled the two years of work this project represents. Throughout her career, Ms. Walker has believed that every individual has the responsibility to share what they know. Rosa Atkins, superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools, caught the vision when Ms. Walker first brought the idea to her. Ms. Atkins responded to the proposal in her characteristically soft way: “We can do this.”

Because of the work of Ms. Walker, Ms. Atkins, and so many others, Charlottesville City students are now enjoying the perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in a professional opera.  The orchestra, directed by Thomas, will include student and professional musicians.  Approximately 60 students from City elementary schools will sing the roles of the Animals.  The Gossips, Sons and Wives will be sung by students from Walker Upper Elementary, Buford Middle, and CHS.  CHS art students created phenomenal Animal masks, and students from the Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center are responsible for the set.  All in all, the production promises to be both energizing and impressive as it combines the artistic experience of professionals with the enthusiasm and talent of local students. 

The October 24 performance is for area school children.  The performance at 12:30 PM on Saturday, October 25, is open to the public and free of charge.

This event is made possible by a grant from the Prana Fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, established by Tom and Karyn Dingledine, in order to benefit local lower and middle-income students.