The Frost School of Music collaborated with the John Duffy Institute for New Opera in residence at the Frost School of Music on February 5 and 6, 2016. This inaugural collaboration included guests from the Virginia Arts Festival, Music-Theatre Group - NYC, University of Michigan, and The Juilliard School. Composer Libby Larsen, Artistic Director of the Institute, was in attendance as well.
The Institute gathered at the Frost School of Music for an opera workshop of Old Presque Isle, a new opera by composer Kristin Kuster (University of Michigan), and librettist Megan Levad. Participants included music director and conductor Alan Johnson, Dr. Tony Boutté in the solo tenor role, and William Lucas, Principal Trumpet of the Detroit Symphony. Fourteen students of the Frost School comprised the vocal ensemble prepared by DMA Choral Studies student and Chorus Master Jace Saplan. The instrumental ensemble included six trumpet students from the studio of Prof. Craig Morris, with multiple percussion played by DMA student Tyson Voigt. Duffy Institute guests interacted with students in Voice, Composition, Arts Presenting, and Brass Forums.
The Virginia Arts Festival will be hosting Workshop 2 in June 2016 in Norfolk, VA, with full production slated for the Festival in June 2017.
