Christopher Purdy goes on air for Classical 101 nearly every day, but what does the opera-loving host do in his "free" time? Well, he directs operas, of course.
This weekend, the opera Cavalleria rusticana (Eng:"Rustic Chivalry") will open at the McCoy Community Center for the Arts at 100 W. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany. Learn more about the production at the Opera Project Columbus website.
The one act opera, composed by Pietro Mascagni, first premiered in 1890 at the TeatroConstanza in Rome. The opera follows a Sicilian love story gone awry. What could be more entertaining?
In a spare five minutes, I sat down in the studio with Christopher and asked a few questions about this weekend's production of Cavalleria Rusticana. The opera will be on stage at the McCoy Performing Arts Center in New Albany, beginning tonight at 8pm. Here is what he had to say:
KHS: "Chris, what is your absolute favorite moment of Cavalleria?"
CP: "I love when Santuzza cries out that she has been excommunicated." (Santuzza, a young village maiden has been seduced by the lead character, Turridu, as part of his sceme of revenge against his unfaithful fiancée, Lola.)
KHS: "What has been your favorite moment with the cast?"
CP: "I am in love with the chorus-- they are of all ages-- I loved hearing them rehearse the Easter Hymn. The chorus of this production is under the fabulous direction of Christopher Dent."
KHS: "Where can patrons go to eat before or after the performance?"
CP: "Oh, Market Street has several great options, but it was fun to see the chorus headed en masse to the Rusty Bucket this week."
KHS: "What would you say is the most challenging part of the opera for listeners?"
CP: "The juxtaposition of the opening chorus, Easter Sunday morning, compared to the blood-curdling sounds heard later in the piece."
KHS: "Finally, you are a busy man, why did you stage direct this particular opera?"
CP: "They asked me, and it would have been foolish to turn down the chance to work with Maestro Alessandro Siciliani.
