boheme opera nj
at Monroe township Library
Boheme Opera NJ continues its live “lectu-tainment” series at Monroe Township Library. Each uniquely themed program features bright, rising stars performing arias and songs from opera to Broadway and beyond - some that might be your old favorites and others that will become your new go-to melodies. Series creator Boheme Opera President Jerrold Kalstein will be your narrator and guide, who will share with you the fascinating stories of the people and history behind the music.
all programs start at 1:00 PM unless otherwise noted
October 19, 2023
The sound of music
iconic songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Rodgers and Hammerstein dominated Broadway’s Golden Age with their memorable stories and music. Three Broadway singers - soprano Rebecca Madeira, baritone Bryan McClary and soprano Rebecca Shorstein - will share your favorite songs from Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music.
November 16, 2023
lily
Edith Wharton’s the house of Mirth
comes to operatic life
Boheme Opera NJ is pleased to present an intimate discussion with noted composer Garth Baxter regarding his new opera Lily, based on the famous Edith Wharton novel The House of Mirth. Two professional opera singers will perform several arias and duets from the opera, while the composer will answer questions regarding his choice of material for the libretto and his composition philosophy and techniques.
Garth Baxter was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved to California with his family as a young child. He earned music degrees from both Pepperdine University and California State University at Northridge. He has composed works for voice, chorus, orchestra, piano, flute, guitar and organ. His recording of some of his works titled "Resistance" was released in 2019 by Parma Records. Subsequent recordings were issued in 2020 and 2022. He recently retired from his college professorship in Maryland to mentor young emerging composers.
January 11, 2024
Ah! Sweet Mystery
songs and stories from the Best-Loved Operettas
Viennese and American operetta classics take center stage! Be enchanted by three singers, with piano accompaniment, as they perform songs from such classics as The Threepenny Opera, The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, Rose Marie, Naughty Marietta and more.
February 29, 2023
Carmen
“leap” into the history of an operatic classic
Boheme Opera’s 35th milestone season will be set ablaze by Bizet’s torrid tale of lust and vengeance. Learn the origin and story behind Carmen through highlights and excerpts, including Habanera, Seguidilla, The Toreador Song, Jose’s Flower Song and other arias and duets.