FD
Frederick Diengott
  • Performance
  • Class of 2015
  • Dover, NH

Frederick Diengott Stages Original Operatic Work for Opera Workshop

2015 Apr 22

Frederick Diengott, a senior performance major in the School of Music at Ithaca College, participated in the fully staged production the opera "The Wolf by the Ears" as part of an Opera Workshop course.

The performance was the world premiere of the opera composed by Ithaca College professor Dana Wilson and was produced through a unique in-class experience offered by Ithaca College's School of Music.

Opera Workshop, a two-credit elective course taught by Brian DeMaris '02, offers students of vocal performance an in-depth look at the art, the craft, and the field of opera in today's world.

"It's really for students of singing to learn how to move, act, embody a character, multitask and learn about the operatic field and repertoire," DeMaris said. "They not only perform operatic scenes, they also have some sort of backstage responsibility like doing supertitles, working on the programs or marketing, helping with costumes."

The class also focuses on technique for auditions, physical and vocal improvisations, and movement. DeMaris said Opera Workshop is unique because it challenges students to look beyond what the text says in front of them.

"The Wolf by the Ears" explored the relationship between President Thomas Jefferson and his slave "mistress," Sally Hemmings, within the many contradictory and hypocritical social structures of their time. Based entirely on historical documents, the opera examined the issues of racial inequality, the responsibility of leadership and making of ethical choices that still resonate in today's society.