May's Guild Chapter Meetings

Des Moines: Monday, May 11 at 7:00

Ames: Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30

Indianola: Thursday, May 21 at 7:00

Opera Trivia

Perhaps the most famous story regarding TOSCA is that of the "bouncing soprano". Less well known is that a soprano finished the opera in spite of suffering a dislocated jaw in the second act. Who was this soprano?

Click here to find the answer.

Ames Chapter Update

Please save the date for Sunday, September 13 for our annual Overture Potluck! We will have good food, stimulating conversation and an overview of our programs for 2009-2010.

Remember, there are no Guild Chapter meetings in June!

Be sure to attend all of the wonderful Summer Festival events...Especially Threads & Trills and Peanut Butter & Puccini!

Ames Chapter Meeting: Tuesday, May 12, 7:30 pm
St. John's Episcopal Center, 2338 Lincoln Way in Ames

Preview of Rossini's The Barber of Seville presented by Anita Beal

Anita Beal, co-founder of the Ames Chapter, will preview Rossini's comic opera, The Barber of Seville, one of the three operas to be performed by DMMO in Indianola this summer.

This Barber, one of the best-known operas and "performed" even by Bugs Bunny, will feature Simpson graduate, baritone John Michael Moore, who now performs at Minnnesota Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Coloratura Jane Redding will sing Rosina and tenor John Osborn, who also has performed at Lyric Opera of Chicago as well as the Metropolitan Opera, will sing Count Almaviva. Beal's preview will include story and music, followed by questions and refreshments.

Indianola Chapter Meeting: Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 pm
Home of Ardene Downing (call 961-6221 for address or directions)

We will gather at Ardene's home to share refreshments and assemble hospitality gift bags for all 40 members of the 2009 James Collier Apprentice Artist Program.

Behind the Scenes at DMMO
by Fred Brown

When we think about opera we usually think first about the people whose work is apparent on stage -- the director, the singers, the orchestra, the set designer. But the production would not go on without many others whose work is not so readily apparent. In the case of DMMO this includes a group of dedicated people who work year round in the Indianola office.

Although many Guild members have had contacts with these people, often it is brief, as in a phone call about tickets or a word at one of the performances. Because of their vital work in ensuring the quality of DMMO productions, I thought we should become better acquainted with them. This month our interview is with Arlys Breuklander, the Company's Business Manager.

Arlys, your job at DMMO is Business Manager. What are all the responsibilities of your position?
In general, I do the bookkeeping and prepare financial reports and schedules for the board and the auditors. I also prepare and keep track of all the contracts for the summer staff (150-175 people), the OPERA Iowa troupe, wigs, costumes, set rentals, etc.
I work with the facilities coordinator at Simpson to secure housing for the festival staff, assign everyone to a room or apartment, arrange microfridge rentals for those living in the dorms, procure the liquor license, and many other small details too numerous to mention!
Once everyone is here and settled, keeping the bills and summer staff paid takes up most of my time for the remainder of the season. After the end of the fiscal year on August 31st, I spend the month of September preparing for the auditors. When the audit is finished, it is time to start sending contracts for the next season!

Tell us how you happened to join the staff at DMMO.
A friend of mine had this job in the 1980s and loved it. So when another friend, who happens to be Jeri Mace's sister, told me the job was open, she put in a good word for me. I had been working in banking for quite a few years and wanted to do something different.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of being associated with DMMO?
The opportunity to see the development of each production from the first sing-through to the final performance is incredible. I find that creative process fascinating, including the talented and passionate people who make it all happen, from the technical crew to the musicians.

Tell us about something that you have achieved at DMMO that has given you great satisfaction.
Just continuing to get through each festival season is an accomplishment! It gives me great satisfaction that I now know I can and will make it through another season. It took me about 5 years to get to that point (this is my 15th season with the Company).

Do you have musical training, talents, or skills? If so, tell us about them.
I took piano lessons for 5 or 6 years when I was young, sang in the chorus and church choir, and played baritone sax in both jazz band and concert band during high school. So I did have some musical training, although I was never particularly talented! The value of those experiences is being able to appreciate those who ARE truly talented and enrich the rest of your life.

What is your favorite opera(s)? Why is it your favorite?
Macbeth and Norma are both favorites, but Norma is what I listen to most at home or in the car. I saw every rehearsal and every performance of our DMMO production. The music is gorgeous, especially the Norma/Adalgisa duets which Caroline Whisnant and Gwen Jones sang so beautifully, and as Pollione, Jeffrey Springer just got better and better with every performance. Every time Norma and Pollione walked into the fire together at the end, I had chills running down my spine!

Have you ever performed in an opera(s)? Which one(s)? Which role(s)?
No, I have never performed in an opera. It is all I can do to go onstage to sing The Star Spangled Banner with the entire Company before a 4th of July performance!

What are your interests when not on the job? How do you relax?
I have five grandchildren and it's fun spending time with them - soccer, baseball, dance recitals, or just hanging out. I love to travel. My son-in-law is in the Navy, so I get to explore new places when I visit my daughter's family. I have relatives on both coasts which is always a good excuse for a trip. I hike on the Appalachian Trail every year with one of my sisters. We don't go very far, and we don't camp on the trail, but it gives us a sense of accomplishment nonetheless. The research and planning involved are almost as enjoyable as taking a trip! I also like to read and watch movies.

Tell something else about yourself or your job at DMMO that would be of interest to Guild members.
Two years ago my husband and I bought a house with quite a lot of landscaping. It had been neglected for about five years, but I had always wanted a garden so I was very excited. Now the enormity of this project is starting to sink in! Figuring out what I have, how and when to prune it, and all the other things I need to learn has been a challenge. I have met several Master Gardeners who have been very generous with their time and advice, and now I look forward to many hours of gardening in the future!