Robert Ward: a life well-lived

Hello Everyone (is anyone still out there?).

It's been just over a year since Vögelchen has posted anything on this Crucible Hysteria blog. As already discussed, The Crucible was a major success for Piedmont Opera.

But I write this blog update to honor the composer of The Crucible, Dr. Robert Ward. Dr. Ward passed away in April at the age of 95. Many of us in Winston-Salem were privileged to get to see Dr. Ward speak in Winston-Salem in 2012 about his incredible life as one of the truly great American 20th Century composers. And we will never forget seeing him walk out on stage at age 94 in the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem to soak up the applause after Piedmont Opera's production of The Crucible. Any opera lover should know and respect the work of Dr. Robert Ward. He will be missed. But, in addition to his operas, his life will live on in the school he helped mold--The North Carolina School of the Arts. Vögelchen is proud to say that his daughter will be attending UNCSA for high school next year. 

Here is a link to Dr. Ward's obituary in the New York Times:
Dr. Ward obituary in New York Times

And in Opera News:
Dr. Ward obituary in Opera News

Hysteria Hangover

Well, it’s all over, but the shoutin’. And what an experience, eh? I really believe that, due to the monumental efforts of the staff and board of Piedmont Opera and the Operators, Winston-Salem caught a bit of the Crucible bug. Maybe even some Crucible hysteria, if I may be so bold. I’m sure it’s a big letdown at Piedmont Opera and Fletcher Opera after the last show. So much effort and psychic energy was spent on this project. So much blood, sweat, and tears. As a consumer, I just want to thank everyone behind the scenes for (1) undertaking this bold, risky project during uncertain opera economic times and (2) pulling off the whole project with great aplomb.

I guess, technically, my blog is over. Just like in Salem, Mass. the hysteria has to stop at some time. But rest assured that Vögelchen has enjoyed this experience, especially the speaking in third person. By the way, does anyone know why I call myself Vögelchen?

Of course, this blog has essentially been like giving me a microphone, which is a bit dangerous because once I have the microphone, I don’t want to give it back. As such, I am reserving the right to post a few more entries on various Crucible-related topics.  So, don’t turn off your computers just yet—you never know what Vögelchen will come up with.

Final Crucible show tonight!

Vögelchen is not a licensed opera reviewer, but he does have opinions, which he will give below. For the actual reviews, see the following links:

Ken Keuffel’s insightful review:

http://www2.journalnow.com/entertainment/2012/mar/18/wsmain02-masterpiece-triumphs-once-again-ar-2055164/

And I completely agree with reviewer Peter Perret’s assessment that “The Piedmont Opera continues its stellar trajectory with its current production of Robert Ward's The Crucible.” For Peter’s review, see

http://cvnc.org/article.cfm?articleId=5430

I’ve spoken with several first time opera goers who attended The Crucible and who were impressed. How about that! What is Winston-Salem becoming? An opera town? People are attending their first operas, and these aren’t even main repertoire operas. I love it. It’s nice to live in a town that doesn’t only produce Mozart operas. The last 2 operas in this town were Robert Ward’s The Crucible and Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.

I truly enjoyed The Crucible on opening night. It’s difficult to discuss all of the singers with such a huge cast, but I would like to single out Janine Hawley’s performance as especially powerful. She was able to convey not only the meekness of long-suffering Elizabeth Proctor, but also Elizabeth’s all-knowing strength. Well done Janine. I would also like to compliment the entire list of Fletcher Opera Institute singers; let’s just say that there was no step down from the pros to the younger singers. The evenness in the superb casting made the evening that much better, and the Piedmont Opera audiences have come to expect such evenness in casting.

Overall, this Crucible experience has been fantastic for the Piedmont Triad, and I hope that the house if full tonight for the final show.

Opening Night!!!

Go to the show. Opening night tonight!!! It's a must see event.


Then go see Robert Ward tomorrow morning at the Stevens Center for a once-in-a-lifetime interview.

A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute

And the answer is...Fletcher--Allen Fletcher was the original stage director, and the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute is a co-producer of the current production.


Only a few more days until opening night! Get out and tell all your friends about this landmark production. And remember, Saturday morning at 11:00 AM at the Stevens Center, the composer of The Crucible, Robert Ward, will be present ready to discuss everything from the previous night's performance to his experiences at the genesis of this amazing opera to his time here in Winston-Salem directing the North Carolina School of the Arts during its early years.  A must-see experience!

The Crucible opens this Friday!

Can you believe that The Crucible opening night is this Friday!?! Vögelchen can't wait. 

Quick Wordplay question:  what last name (family name) connects the original production team of The Crucible with a producer of the Piedmont Opera production?

Winston-Salem Journal Article

For those who do not get the Winston-Salem Journal, make sure you check out Ken Keuffel's excellent article about The Crucible from the Sunday paper. 

http://www2.journalnow.com/entertainment/2012/mar/11/wsliving01-the-crucible-is-tried-and-true-ar-2023777/