Opera is Instrumental

The “Opera is Instrumental” project provides students of the Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras (ESYO) a unique opportunity to rehearse and present a mini-opera with professional singers from Eugene Opera.

The project begins with the preparation of shortened musical scores of an opera from the season. Students rehearse the parts individually and then together under ESYO’s conductor, David Jacobs of the UO School of Music and Dance. Next they participate in a rehearsal led by Andrew Bisantz, Artistic Director and Conductor of Eugene Opera. Finally, three opera singers from the production join EYSO for a rehearsal.

This project is an unique opportunity for students to learn about the challenges of playing in an opera orchestra. Successfully piloted in 2020, we look forward to future collaborations with the Youth Symphony.