The Opera Ithaca Festival was created to explore the confluence of the arts and social justice issues. Throughout the annual eight-day festival, Opera Ithaca brings diverse voices together, exploring the intersection of neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and music. The festival features a host of artists, activists, and community leaders who will sing, speak, and share the values of what it means to be different, inviting you to explore an entirely new perspective on opera.
In a world where being different means that you cannot love who you love, to what lengths will you go change yourself? Antonín DvoÅ™ák's fairytale opera, which loosely resembles the plot of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, dives into the depths of longing of the young water sprite, Rusalka, who will sell her soul for love.
Rusalka
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Cast & Creative Team:
Kara Goodrich, Rusalka
Benjamin Werley, Prince
Michael Colman, Vodnìk
Quinn Middleman, Ježibaba
Angel Azzarra, Foreign Princess
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Ben Robinson, Director
Daniel Kleinknecht, Conductor
Friday, November 10, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 12, 2:00 PM
Hangar Theatre
Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, sexuality, disability, and the arts 45 minutes prior to event.
YousaidShesaidHeSaid
Die schöne Müllerin
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Cast & Creative Team:
Hailey McAvoy, mezzo-soprano
Geoffrey Peterson, baritone
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Molly Joyce, composer
Austin Regan, director
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Saturday, November 11, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
Hangar Theatre
The silent character of "the fair maid of the mill" is given a voice by groundbreaking composer, Molly Joyce and librettist Christopher Oscar Peña. This multimedia concert featuring Opera Ithaca's Young Artists explores the silenced voices of difference and rethinks a timeless classic.
Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, sexuality, disability, and the arts 45 minutes prior to event.
YousaidShesaidHesaid
Molly Joyce, composer | Christopher Oscar Peña, librettist
Premiere: March 23, 2014, New York
Die schöne Müllerin
Franz Schubert, composer | Wilhelm Müller, poet
Completed in 1823
A Singer's Singer:
Biography in Music of Winnaretta Singer, An American Patroness in Paris
November 5, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
The Gallery at South Hill, Ithaca, NY
Opera Ithaca Apprentice Artists in concert.
Chat and Chamber Music
with Molly Joyce and Austin Regan
Thursday, November 9, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
Six Mile Creek Vineyards, Ithaca, NY
Composer-in-Residence, Molly Joyce and creative collaborator and director, Austin Regan, hosted a panel along with a sampling of Joyce's chamber music.
Calendar of Events
Sunday, November 5
A Singer's Singer
Biography in Music of Winnaretta Singer
An American Patroness in Paris
3:00 PM
The Gallery at South Hill​, 950 Danby Road, Ithaca
Opera Ithaca Apprentice Artists in concert.
Free to the public. Suggested donation of $20.
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Wednesday, November 8
Open Dress Rehearsal, Rusalka, 7:30 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
Experience a working rehearsal of Antonín DvoÅ™ák's Rusalka.
Free to the public. Suggested donation of $20.
Thursday, November 9
Chat and Chamber Music
with Molly Joyce and Austin Regan, 7:30 PM
Six Mile Creek Vineyard Tasting Room, 1551 Slaterville Road, Ithaca
Chat with Composer-in-Residence, Molly Joyce and creative collaborator and director, Austin Regan, along with a sampling of Joyce's chamber music.
Free to the public with cash bar. Suggested donation of $20.
Friday, November 10
Rusalka, Opening Night, 7:30 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
- Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and the arts, 6:45 PM
- Post-performance champagne toast with the artists, 10:00 PM, Hangar Lobby
Saturday, November 11
YousaidShesaidHesaid | Die schöne Müllerin, 7:30 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
- Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and the arts, 6:45 PM
Molly Joyce's groundbreaking response on the female perspective to Franz Schubert's immortal Die schöne Müllerin.
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Sunday, November 12
Rusalka, Closing Performance, 2:00 PM
Pre-performance panel on neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and the arts, 1:15 PM
Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca
Visiting Ithaca
Where to stay
Our exclusive hotel partner is La Tourelle Hotel and Spa. Book by October 15, 2023 for a special rate. Mention that you are in town for Opera Ithaca!
How to get here
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport: flyithaca.com
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There are frequent bus services between Ithaca and many destinations along the East Coast. Ithaca offers rental cars, taxis, ride share services, and excellent public transportation.
What else is there to do?
Ithaca is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Renowned for its natural beauty, Ithaca is perhaps best know for its gorges and waterfalls. In recent years, the area's wineries have taken on a national prominence and the farm-to-table restaurant scene is one of the most exciting culinary experiences in the northeast. Plan your trip now.
2023 Opera Ithaca Festival Partner
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