UD Opera Theatre Presents: Werther

On this episode of The Music Room, Mandorichard sits down with cast members Kameron Ghanavati (Werther) and Kaitlyn Tierney (Charlotte) and assistant director Cara Ferro of the UD Opera Theatre’s spring production, Werther.

French composer Jules Massenet’s Werther is a heart-breaking opera based on the semi-autobiographical German epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. “The way he marries the music with the text is unbelievable,” says Ghanavati of Massenet. The opera was completed in 1887 and premiered at the Imperial Theatre Hofoper in Vienna in 1892.

With guidance from director D. Blake Smith and music director James Allen Anderson, the UD Opera Theater will bring this 19th Century Romantic production to life on the Thompson Theatre stage at the Roselle Center for the Arts. Werther will be performed on Friday, May 13 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the CFA/REP Box Office. For more information about UD Opera Theatre, udoperatheatre.com.

Listen to the interview below to hear commentary from the cast members and previews of the extraordinary music performed in the UD Opera Theatre’s production of Jules Massenet’s Werther.

The Interview

Werther: Preview of UD Opera Theatre Production
Host: Mandorichard; aired May 10, 2016.
Thanks to Director D. Blake Smith, Conductor James Allen, and to our guests–Kameron Ghanavati, Kaitlyn Tierney, Cara Ferro–and to the entire cast, orchestra, and crew of UDOT’s Werther.
31:17
60.1MB
(Libretto in French, with English translation)

The Music

Ravon Middlebrooks and Kaitlyn Tierney Werther and Charlotte’s Act I duet, after the ball UDOT Rehearsal, May 9, 2016
Ravon Middlebrooks, Kaitlyn Tierney, and Benjamin Rowe Completion of Werther and Charlotte’s Act I duet after the ball, ending with Le Bailli’s announcement that Albert (Charlotte’s fiance) has come home. UDOT Rehearsal, May 9, 2016
Brian Fenderson, Kaitlyn Tierney, and Ravon Middlebrooks Albert and Charlotte’s Act II duet in front of the church, ending with Werther lamenting Charlotte’s marriage to Albert. UDOT Rehearsal, May 9, 2016
Jazmin Salaberrios Sophie’s Act II aria: Du gai soleil, pleine de flamme UDOT Rehearsal, May 9, 2016

Today, Tomorrow, Someday: Marielle Kraft

From rocking the Bob Carpenter Center at UDance 2016 to opening for indie pop artist Betty Who, UD’s own singer-songwriter Marielle Kraft is making a name for herself both on and off campus. On this episode of The Music Room, Mandorichard and Liz Webb chat with the local celebrity about her music, her experiences, and her future goals.

In July of 2014, Marielle released her first EP, “Today Tomorrow Someday,” after recording at Midnight Muse Studios in Newark. Influenced by artists like Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift, and Sara Bareilles, Marielle creates melodic and relatable songs using her guitar and her perfect, natural vibrato. Along with writing original music, Marielle performs covers and collaborates with other musicians for more than 1,000 subscribers on her YouTube page.

liz, richard, and marielle

Marielle Kraft with hosts Mandorichard and Liz Webb.

In addition to writing and performing music, Marielle studies elementary education at the University of Delaware. As an elementary school teacher, she plans on incorporating music into her lessons to create a comprehensive and enriching classroom experience for students.

Check out the interview below to discover more about Marielle Kraft and to hear her play four original songs live in the WVUD studio.

The Interview

Marielle Kraft, Hosts: Mandorichard and Liz Webb, Recorded live on WVUD April 12, 2016.
31:35
60.6MB

The Music

Marielle Kraft How much I’d miss you WVUD Session, April 12, 2016
Marielle Kraft (I’m) Sure of you WVUD Session, April 12, 2016
Marielle Kraft See you in the morning WVUD Session, April 12, 2016
Marielle Kraft What have I done WVUD Session, April 12, 2016

 

Some Feelings: Julia Nunes

In September of 2015, guitarist, ukuleleist, and baby pianist Julia Nunes released her fifth studio album, Some Feelings, on her independent record label Rude Butler Records. Before her April 12, 2016, show at The World Cafe live at The Queen in Wilmington, Julia spoke with Mandorichard and Liz Webb about her songwriting, her inspirations, and her newest album.

Julia started her career by making YouTube covers in her college dorm room, in which she harmonizes with herself and plays various instruments such as ukulele, piano, and melodica. With videos featuring unexpected mash-ups and unconventional musical instruments, Julia has created an online presence for herself with her unique and creative approach to music. Over the years, she has toured across the globe in concert venues and living rooms, made appearances at Bonnaroo, VidCon, SXSW, and on Conan, anJulia Nunesd performed alongside artists like Ben Folds, Weezer, and The Mowgli’s. The release of Some Feelings in 2015 marked a pivotal point not only in her musical career, but in her personal life as well.

Check out the interview below to hear selections from Some Feelings and to learn more about Julia Nunes’ musical originality (and to discover her surprising yet hilarious source of songwriting inspiration).

The Interview

Julia Nunes, Hosts: Mandorichard and Liz Webb, Recorded live on WVUD April 5, 2016.
28:34
27.4MB

The Music

Artist Song Album Year
Julia Nunes Then OK Some Feelings 2015
Julia Nunes Stay Awake Settle Down 2012
Julia Nunes Make Out Some Feelings 2015
Julia Nunes Something Bad Some Feelings 2015

Additional Picks

For a good time, check out these YouTube videos from Julia Nunes, too!