For this week’s episode of Campus Voices, we had the pleasure of visiting the Roselle Center for the Arts to interview Dr. Blake Smith and members of the cast and crew of the University of Delaware’s Opera Theatre (UDOT). This semester, UDOT will be presenting a rendition of Mozart’s comedy: Così Fan Tutte. We had a blast speaking with members of the company, including undergraduates, graduate students, UD alumni, and faculty.
This episode provides a backstage glimpse into what it takes to put on a UDOT production–imagine finding the director doing carpentry on the loading dock! Learn what really happens in the green room before a rehearsal! Hear how Mozart’s 18th Century opera has been transplanted to 20th Century Brooklyn!
UDOT’s Così Fan Tutte will be performed Friday, May 12th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 14th at 3:00 pm at the Roselle Center for the Arts. Don’t miss it.
Thanks to all the cast members, musicians, and crew for welcoming us to their rehearsal on May 8.
The Interview
Così Fan Tutte, recorded on May 8, 2017. First aired on May 11, 2017.
31:15
60 MB
About the UDOT director
Dr. Blake Smith is an associate professor of voice and opera, which has served him well as director of UD’s Opera Theatre. Blake received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas and both his Master and Doctor of Musical Arts from Texas Tech University. Before coming to the Univesity of Delaware, Blake performed at prestigious theatres across the country, making him one of the most prominent staff members at UD.
Learn More
- Così Fan Tutte event information
- University of Delaware Department of Music website
- UD Opera Theatre website
- Program and cast list for the 2017 UD Opera Theatre’s production of Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte
- Bonus audio clips
- Hear our complete interview with Director Blake Smith.
- The tenors in the chorus talk about their roles.
- Hear Shoshona Lieberman talk about the green hat she made for Despina’s costume.
- Meet team Despina!
- Meet freshman Michael Willis, understudy for the role of Don Alfonso.
Credit
Richard Gordon: Co-host, producer, audio engineer, audio editor
Rachel Silva: Co-host, web page author and editor, photographer