Nickel City Opera

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The Nickel City Opera (also known as NCO) was an American opera company based in Buffalo, New York. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

History

The opera company NCO, [5] was founded in 2004 by opera singer Valerian Ruminski, composer Persis Vehar, and pianist William Hicks. [6] [7] [8] [9] The NCO has commissioned operas, and has staged some world premieres of notable musical works. [10] The NCO has produced a wide range of works from different periods. [11]

It produced its first opera, Rossini's The Barber of Seville , [12] in June 2009 at the Riviera Theatre, followed by a production of Verdi's Rigoletto . [13] [14] [15] The NCO has collaborated with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and musicians from Buffalo. [16] [17]

Other productions include Il trovatore , [18] La Bohème , [19] La Traviata , [20] Carmen , [21] I Pagliacci , [22] Don Pasquale , [23] Rigoletto , [24] Tosca , [25] Il tabarro , [26] Der Schauspieldirektor , [27] [28] Le Nozze di Figaro , [29] [30] La Traviata , [31] The Barber of Seville , [32] Amahl and the Night Visitors , [33] Shot by Persis Vehar [34] and The Music Shop by Richard Wargo. [35]

Productions

In 2010 and for the subsequent four years, the NCO presented Gian Carlo Menotti's Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Riviera Theatre and in the Westminster Presbyterian Church (Buffalo, New York). [36]

In 2011, as a special cultural event, NCO presented a production of Il tabarro by Giacomo Puccini, directed by Henry Akina on board the United States Navy warship USS The Sullivans (DD-537), a decommissioned Fletcher-class destroyer and one of Buffalo's landmarks, which serves as a museum ship and is anchored at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, New York. [37] The USS The Sullivans (DD-537) has served as an integral part of the staging. [38] [39]

For the premiere production of Shot!, in 2016, the role of President William McKinley was sung by Valerian Ruminski, the role of Ida McKinley was sung by Marieterese Magisano with John Packard as Leon Czolgosz, Michele Capalbo as Emma Goldman and Fred Furnari as Buffalo Police Superintendent Bull, the Nickel City Opera Chorus and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. [40] The sets re-created scenes from the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, with 40-foot projections of original 1901 Edison footage of the exposition, and rare historic photos. [41] [42] [43]

In 2017, Matthias Manasi was appointed new music director and principal conductor of the NCO. [44] The same year he conducted a production of Der Schauspieldirektor by Mozart, with particular attention to historically informed performance practice which was appreciated by critics. [45]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCO was unable to produce opera at Shea's Performing Arts Center as of March 2020. [46] A production of Aida planned for August 7 to 29, 2021 at Artpark at Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. [47] In June 2023 NCO reprised its inaugural production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville . [48]

The NCO produced a range of works from 18th-century Baroque and 19th-century Bel canto to the Minimalism of the 20th century and to contemporary operas of the 20th and 21st centuries. [49] These operas have been presented in staged productions which ranged in style from those with elaborate traditional decors to others that feature modern conceptual designs. [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] [55]

Opera singers who have performed at the NCO include Michele Capalbo, [56] Victoria Livengood, [57] David MacAdam, [58] Eric Fenell, [59] Eduardo Villa, Adam Klein, [60] Marc Freiman, [61] Ray Chenez, [62] Zulimar López-Hernández, [63] John Packard, [64] James Wright, [65] Marieterese Magisano and Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs. [66]

World premieres

In June 2016, the NCO produced the world premiere of Shot! composed by co-founder Persis Vehar with libretto by her daughter Gabrielle Vehar, about the assassination of President McKinley, which was staged at Shea's Performing Arts Center, with the involvement of Michael Ching, as a conductor, and David Grabarkewitz, as a stage director. [67] [68] [69] [70] [71]

In June 2021, Sotto Voce Vocal Collective presented in cooperation with the Nickel City Opera the world premiere of the opera The Second Sight composed by Jessie Downs. [72] [73] [74] [75]

Opera America Service Award

In May 2017, Opera America awarded Valerian Ruminski, artistic director of Nickel City Opera, its annual Service Award which recognizes those who "promote opera in their communities and work tirelessly to ensure the highest possible artistic quality and community service." Marc A. Scorca, president and CEO of Opera America said in the ceremony, which took place in Dallas:“On behalf of the staff and membership of Opera America, please accept my congratulations and thank you for your exceptional contribution to the field of opera.” [76] [77]

Music directors

Michael Ching has been the music director of Nickel City Opera from 2004 to 2017 and its principal conductor from 2012 to 2017. [78] [79] Matthias Manasi has been appointed as a music director and chief conductor of NCO from 2017 to 2021. [80] [81] [82] Since 2021, the NCO has been collaborating only with guest conductors.

Stage directors

International NCO stage directors have included David Grabarkewitz, who has directed the New York City Opera's production of Madama Butterfly for Public Broadcasting System (PBS), which received an Emmy award in 2008, [83] [84] and Marc Verzatt, awarded Outstanding Stage Director of 2006 by 'Classical Singer' magazine. [85] [86]

References

  1. ↑ Mike Randall (June 8, 2016). "New opera will appeal to local history buffs". wkbw.com. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  2. ↑ Frank Housh (January 22, 2022). "Nickel City Opera presents Verdi's 'Rigoletto'". discoverupstateny.com. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Spotlight: Valerian Ruminski of Nickel City Opera". dailypublic.com. November 8, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  4. ↑ Bracely Dawn (February 16, 2016). "Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera". buffalonews.com. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  5. ↑ Opera America (March 17, 2004). "Nickel City Opera". Opera America . Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Verification".
  7. ↑ "Spotlight: Valerian Ruminski of Nickel City Opera". dailypublic.com. November 8, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  8. ↑ Randall, Mike (June 21, 2023). "Nickel City Opera opens 14th season with Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville'". Niagara Gazette. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  9. ↑ Jezioro, Jan (April 30, 2019). "Classically Speaking / Nickel City Opera Bounces Back". buffalospree.com. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  10. ↑ Frank Housh (January 28, 2022). "Sotto Voce Vocal Collective's The Second Sight". buffalospree.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  11. ↑ Bracely Dawn (February 16, 2016). "Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera". buffalonews.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Meet our Singers: Valerian Ruminski, Don Magnifico". seattleoperablog.com. January 25, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  13. ↑ Jezioro, Jan (April 30, 2019). "Classically Speaking / Nickel City Opera Bounces Back". buffalospree.com. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  14. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 24, 2013). "NCO on a - What else? - 5-year winning streak". The Buffalo News . Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  15. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 24, 2013). "NCO on a - What else? - 5-year winning streak". The Buffalo News . Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  16. ↑ Frank Parlato (January 4, 2013). "Former Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera". buffalonews.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  17. ↑ Bracely Dawn (February 16, 2016). "Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera". buffalonews.com. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  18. ↑ Jan Jezioro (June 15, 2011). "Il Trovatore at The Riviera Theatre - NC Opera Buffalo launches its third season with big plans". Artvoice. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
  19. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (July 2, 2012). "With all the right touches, N C Opera does justice to La Bohème". The Buffalo News . Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  20. ↑ Michael Rabice (February 5, 2019). "La Traviata at NCO Buffalo". Broadway World. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  21. ↑ Edmonton Opera (March 2, 2017). "Edmonton Opera program - Biography Robert Clark". issuu.com. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  22. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 6, 2011). "Opera on the upswing; while other opera companies are floundering, Nickel City Opera flourishes by thinking outside the box". The Buffalo News . Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  23. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 27, 2013). "Nickel City Opera's 'Don Pasquale' is a rare treat". The Buffalo News. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  24. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 27, 2010). "Magnificent Rigoletto proves NC Opera is for real". The Buffalo News . Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  25. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 27, 2014). "NC Opera Buffalo gives depth to dark masterpiece". The Buffalo News . Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  26. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (July 3, 2011). "Setting enhances sultry drama of 'Il tabarro'; Brilliant NC Opera Buffalo cast stages Puccini's steamy opera". The Buffalo News . Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  27. ↑ "W. A. Mozart - The Impresario". Buffalorising. May 26, 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Matthias Manasi-The Impresario by W.A. Mozart". The Am-Pol Eagle. June 1, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  29. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 27, 2015). "NC Opera Buffalo's The Marriage of Figaro is a magical mix". The Buffalo News. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  30. ↑ Eileen Buckley (June 25, 2015). "NCO: The Marriage of Figaro". WBFO. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  31. ↑ Michael Rabice (February 5, 2019). "La Traviata at NCO Buffalo". Broadway World. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  32. ↑ Frank Housh (July 23, 2023). "The Nickel City Opera Triumphs With A Slapstick Romp Through Rossini's Classic Opera Buffa". Breakingdownthelaw. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  33. ↑ Ed Adamczyk (November 28, 2013). "NC Opera Buffalo presents Amahl and the Night Visitors". Niagara Gazette . Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  34. ↑ Michael Rabice (May 16, 2016). "Shot! A World Premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre". Broadway World. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  35. ↑ "N C Opera Buffalo-The Music Shop". Daily Public. November 8, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  36. ↑ "NC Opera Buffalo - Star of wonder with 'Amahl and the Night Visitors'". The Buffalo News. January 6, 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  37. ↑ Mark Sommer (July 1, 2011). "Shipshape opera performances on deck; Naval Park provides stage for 'Il Tabarro'". The Buffalo News . Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  38. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 24, 2013). "NCO on a - What else? - 5-year winning streak". The Buffalo News . Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  39. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (July 3, 2011). "Setting enhances sultry drama of 'Il tabarro'; Brilliant Nickel City Opera cast stages Puccini's steamy opera on the deck of the USS The Sullivans". buffalonews.com. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  40. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 11, 2016). "President McKinley is a hearty character in opera premiere". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  41. ↑ Sharon Cantillon (June 17, 2016). "Nickel City Opera rehearses 'Shot!'". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  42. ↑ "The Paper Print Film Collection at the Library of Congress". Library of Congress. July 11, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  43. ↑ Emily Morrow (June 2, 2016). "On Our Radar: An Opera in Buffalo, About Buffalo, for Buffalo". stepoutbuffalo.com. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Manasi to leave the NCO". The Am-Pol Eagle. June 18, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  45. ↑ Aryeh Oron (April 28, 2022). "Matthias Manasi (Conductor, Piano)". Bach Cantatas Website. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Shea's Performing Arts Center announces reopening, new dates for Broadway Series". wkbw.com. April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  47. ↑ Aryeh Oron (August 21, 2022). "Matthias Manasi (Conductor, Pianist)". Bach Cantatas Website. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  48. ↑ "Nickel City Opera presents Rossini's The Barber of Seville". wnyfamilymagazine.com. June 24, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  49. ↑ Bracely Dawn (February 16, 2016). "Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera". buffalonews.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  50. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 24, 2013). "Nickel City Opera on a – What else? – 5-year winning streak". The Buffalo News . Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  51. ↑ Dawn Bracely (January 4, 2013). "Former Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera". The Buffalo News . Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  52. ↑ Michael Rabice (May 16, 2016). "Shot! A World Premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre". broadwayworld.com. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  53. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 11, 2016). "President McKinley is a hearty character in opera premiere". The Buffalo News . Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  54. ↑ Sharon Cantillon (June 17, 2016). "Nickel City Opera rehearses 'Shot!'". The Buffalo News . Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  55. ↑ "NCO's original opera Shot!". wbfo.org. June 10, 2016. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  56. ↑ Calgary Opera (March 30, 2017). "Calgary Opera program - Turandot - Michele Capalbo, Soprano - Turandot". Calgary Opera . Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  57. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 21, 2011). "Opera on the upswing; while other opera companies are floundering, NC Opera Buffalo flourishes by thinking outside the box". The Buffalo News . Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  58. ↑ Ed Adamczyk (November 28, 2013). "NC Opera Buffalo presents "Amahl and the Night Visitors"". niagara-gazette.com. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  59. ↑ Maki Becker (June 6, 2022). "Amid latest wave of Covid-19, the show will go on, just a little later". richmond.com. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  60. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (February 16, 2016). "With all the right touches, NC Opera Buffalo does justice to La Bohème". The Buffalo News . Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  61. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 27, 2015). "Lockport native with an international career brings an extra twist to Mozart". The Buffalo News . Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  62. ↑ "Staatstheater Nürnberg-Ray Chenez". staatstheater-nuernberg.de. November 2, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  63. ↑ "Arizona Opera Cast Members & Creatives - Zulimar López-Hernández". azopera.org. May 10, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  64. ↑ "NC Opera Buffalo focus examines historic themes 115 years later". ampoleagle.com. April 8, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  65. ↑ Gulfcoast Symphony (April 18, 2023). "Biography James Wright-Figaro". gulfcoastsymphony.org. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  66. ↑ Mark Sommer (July 1, 2011). "Shipshape opera performances on deck; Naval Park provides stage for 'Il Tabarro'". The Buffalo News . Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  67. ↑ Michael Rabice (May 16, 2016). "Shot! A World Premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre". Broadway World. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  68. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 11, 2016). "President McKinley is a hearty character in opera premiere". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  69. ↑ Sharon Cantillon (June 17, 2016). "Nickel City Opera rehearses 'Shot!'". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  70. ↑ "The Paper Print Film Collection at the Library of Congress". Library of Congress. July 11, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  71. ↑ "NCO's original opera ShotT!". wbfo.org. June 10, 2016. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  72. ↑ "Classical". cheektowagabee.com. June 25, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  73. ↑ Frank HoushJun (June 28, 2021). "Sotto Voce Vocal Collective's The Second Sight - A new opera with spectacular performances". buffalospree.com. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  74. ↑ Florida Department of State (September 19, 2019). "Culture builds Florida - Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs". elizabethabaker.com. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  75. ↑ Opera America (October 21, 2021). "Jessie Downs, Librettist". apps.operaamerica.org. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  76. ↑ "Ruminski receives Opera America award, NCO prepares Roadshow Opera". ampoleagle.com. May 11, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  77. ↑ Buffalo Rising (March 28, 2017). "The Buffalo Traveling Roadshow Opera". buffalorising.com. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
  78. ↑ Raymond Elman (January 2, 2023). "Michael Ching: From Opera to Opry". ArtSpeak. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  79. ↑ Bruce Duffie (March 31, 2000). "Composer / Conductor / Administrator Michael Ching". bruceduffie.com. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  80. ↑ "Manasi to leave the NCO". The Am-Pol Eagle. June 18, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  81. ↑ Volker Blech (August 3, 2021). "Matthias Manasi: "Will mich wieder auf Europa konzentrieren"". Berliner Morgenpost . Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  82. ↑ Sabrina Kahwaty (December 29, 2023). "Former NCO Conductor Shines On". digital.buffalospree.com. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  83. ↑ Mary Kunz Goldman (June 7, 2016). "William McKinley is back and this time, he's an opera". The Buffalo News. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  84. ↑ Steve Smith (March 21, 2010). "'MADAMA BUTTERFLY' New York City Opera". The New York Times. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  85. ↑ "NC Operas's Tosca is this weekend in N. Tonawanda". Am-Pol Eagle. June 28, 2014. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  86. ↑ Ed Adamczyk (June 26, 2014). "NC Opera Buffalo asks "Would You Kill for Love?"". Niagara Gazette. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
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