UC Davis lecturer to sing in Beethoven’s Ninth at Kennedy Center in August

Lecturer in voice Jonathan Nadel will sing in the chorus for Beethoven’s Ninth — sung in Ukrainian — at the Kennedy Center on Aug. 4 with the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra.

The orchestra and soloists are composed of Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainians living throughout the world. The choral forces for this concert include singers from The Washington Chorus, directed by Eugene Rogers, and the “Slava!” Chorus, a combination of singers gathered from far and wide and directed by Ukrainian-American chorusmaster Marika Kuzma.

In association with Lincoln Center, New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine will host the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra and chorus performing the Beethoven symphony on Aug. 1. 

Music Professor Ortiz Has New Opera in Argentina

Pablo Ortiz, Distinguished Professor of Music, will have a new opera “Kassandra” premiered at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Aug. 23, with performances until Sept. 1. The opera features text by the Uruguayan playwright Sergio Blanco.

“Kassandra” is the Greek truth-teller cursed by Apollo to never be believed. The performance is set across multiple universes, and connects the mythology with the present as Kassandra is characterized as a traveler — a migrant marginalized socially, linguistically, and in gender.

The work is a chamber opera with only one character. The role will be sung by Maria Castillo de Lima, who is a transgender soprano. 

The production is co-produced by the Centro de Experimentación del Teatro Colón (CETC) and the Alternative Stage of the Greek National Opera. “Κασσάνδρα” will also be performed in Athens, Greece, on a date soon-to-be-announced.

Legally Blonde the Musical at Woodland Opera House Opens Aug. 16

The Historic Woodland Opera House, 340 Second Street, Woodland, Aug. 16-31

Based on the novel and the hit-movie of the same name, Legally Blonde: the Musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner. Woods' character is played by Katie Halls, an alum of UC Davis theatre productions. 

In an effort to prove to Warner that she is more than just some blonde sorority girl, she follows him to Harvard Law, where she struggles to fit in and do well. Ultimately, she defies expectations and manages to stay true to her delightfully pink personality.

Audiences can expect an exhilarating theatrical spectacle in Legally Blonde: the Musical, filled with vibrant musical numbers, dynamic choreography, and a visual flair that brings the iconic story to life in a dazzling, high-energy production. From the bubbly, infectious energy of the sorority scenes to the show-stopping dance breaks, this adaptation will delight and entertain with its sheer sense of fun and theatrical pizzazz.

Left, Woods' character is played by Katie Halls, an alum of UC Davis theatre productions. (Courtesy, Woodland Opera House)

Narrative complexity: While younger children may be able to follow the basic storyline, Legally Blonde is likely best suited for viewers in the 12-14 age range and above, who have the cognitive and emotional maturity to engage with the thematic depth and nuances of the plot.

Ticket Prices: Reserved seats are Main Floor Adults $25-$35, Seniors (62+) $20-$30, Children (17 and under) $15-$20. Balcony Adults $15-$25, Seniors $12-$20, Children $9-$15. Flex Pass specials and group rates are available. Purchase tickets and find out more about Flex Passes on the website at www.WoodlandOperaHouse.Org or by calling the Box Office at (530) 666-9617.