December 2021 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Amahl and the Night Visitors
This beautiful Christmas story by Gian Carlo Menotti was first aired as a television program on the NBC Opera Theatre, premiering live on December 24, 1951 as the first installment of the Hallmark Hall of Fame of NBC. It was the first opera specifically composed for television in America. Performed at Old Pine Street Church with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philadelphia Opera Chorus Master, Elizabeth Braden conducting, the fabulous cast and chorus were auditioned Philadelphians, including the stellar 12 yr old Jonah Serotta, of the Philadelphia Boys Choir, as Amahl.
Summer 2016 Florence, Italy
Telephone & Telemann
A charming double bill of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Telephone in English and Georg Philipp Telemann’s Il Pimpinone in German, these two voices only operas were sung admirably by resident artists Ainsley Klug and Oliver Bowes. It was performed in the 17th century Machiavellian palace that was to become St. Mark’s English Church with some highlights being the innovative use of commedia dell’arte characters, masks evocative of Italy in the past, and an original telephone from the 1950’s. Resident Italian maestro, Giacomo Benedetti, accompanied on piano, Ms. Palmour directed.
Ich habe genug, Cantata BWV 82
J.S. Bach’s haunting solo cantata performed in the majesty of St. Mark’s English Church in Florence, Italy, July 24, 2016. Sung by company head mezzo-soprano, Deidra Palmour, accompanied by Giacomo Benedetti on organ and Marco del Cittadino, oboe. This multi-media presentation was accompanied by an on-screen backdrop of masterpiece painting images depicting the Nunc dimittis, Simeon’s meeting with the Christ Child in the Temple, to illustrate the text.
Seasons 2012 and 2013 – Phoenix, Arizona
Gospera
An unique and inspiring evening of gospel, opera and spirituals performed by internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Deidra Palmour, internationally acclaimed composer, arranger and pianist Mark Hayes, and the Three Oaks Chorale, conducted by Dr. William Gorton, on April 21, 2013, at the grand 1500 seat Pinnacle Presbyterian Church sanctuary in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mark and Deidra were joined by William, who in addition to conducting, sang and played organ. A gospel band rounded out this diverse program.
The Magic Flute
Mozart’s entire magical score, fully staged, costumed, and for the first time for Three Oaks Opera with professional lighting design; complete with evil Queen of the Night, Papageno the birdman, the Three Ladies with spears and, of course, a magic flute! Produced in the brand new Salvation Army KROC Center Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, July 2012, this was an innovative production using only five platforms, three colorful drapes, scrim, props, professional lighting, and a terrific cast to bring this opera to life. William Gorton was at the piano and Ms. Palmour directed.
Seasons 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 – Ashland and Richmond, Virginia
Make Your Garden Grow
Five American opera scenes, from Porgy and Bess, The Ballad of Baby Doe, Susannah, the Old Maid and the Thief, and Candide, featured multi-use sets, costumes, and props that could be transported to Italy and were transformed by the cast from scene to scene. First performed at Old St. Ann’s of Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, on July 15, 16, 2011, this production then traveled to Tuscany in August, where cast members enjoyed a week of rehearsals and fun at the stunning Villa Cenami. The performance took place at St. Mark’s English Church in Florence, Italy.
Bel Canto
A recital of art song, arias and duets featuring the dynamic duo of Amy Newell and Meghan Amerson held at Belmont United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia on June 12, 2011. Kristy Garber was on piano.
Opera In Jeans
A social cabaret fundraiser, held at Three Oaks Estate in Montpelier, Virginia on March 12, 2011, to raise funds for the first tour to Italy for Three Oaks Opera. Featuring cast members singing songs and arias in jeans, wine and cheese!
The Celtic Women of Hanover
A musical revue of songs made popular by the Celtic Women sung by five High School Seniors. Presented on the lawn of Three Oaks Estate under the trees that gave the company our name, this unique setting and these beautiful ladies made June 12, 2010 a special date for Three Oaks Opera.
The Marriage of Figaro
A full production of Acts II, III, and IV of Mozart’s grand Le Nozze di Figaro, complete with gorgeous sets, costumes, and lighting at Patrick Henry High School Auditorium in Ashland, Virginia, on July 24 and 26, 2009. Sung with arias in Italian and recitatives in English, the excellent all-student cast was true to the mission of Three Oaks Opera, because they ranged in age from 15 to 50! A working fountain in the garden scene for Act IV completed the professional sets. Dr. William Gorton was at the piano and Ms. Palmour directed.
Die Fledermaus
On August 31, 2008, Three Oaks Opera’s very first production was Act II of the hilarious Viennese operetta, Die Fledermaus. Performed at the charming Old St. Ann’s Chapel of Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia to a sold out house, this inaugural performance featured students and professionals alike. William and Deidra Palmour Gorton put in performances of Alfred and Prince Orlofsky. The late Maggie Mayes accompanied on piano and Ms. Palmour directed.