28

Feb

Breaking frozen ground- Intermezzo: 6° of Connection

Anchorage Opera’s new collective, Intermezzo, is taking the local social scene by storm. With the weather in Alaska battling to turn from winter to spring, Anchorage’s cold air is a breezy buzz over gatherings around town in the name of Intermezzo.

While most of the world is inundated in streaming social media networks made to connect people, some have been left out in the cold. Though sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. are designed to facilitate individuals connecting by the sharing of information, we’re starting to see supplementation of sharing a Tweet or Post over meeting for coffee or lunch. Our habits are beginning to favor social short cuts rather than face-to-face connectivity in meeting new people.

Try some ice-breaking social heat. Living in Alaska, residents know how to make the best of 6° degrees. Capitalizing on a personal approach is the platform where people can come together to refashion six degrees of separation into six degrees of real, face-to-face connection.

Intermezzo is about taking a step back. Networking with real people, in real-time. A collective of individuals connecting over a common love- love for the arts! You don’t have to love opera to mix with Intermezzo. Art comes in many forms; opera is just one of them. Theatrics, Dance, Instrumental, Designing, etc. are all translatable art. If your version of Instrumental is by playing in the symphony or by spinning a set as a DJ, or Dance is at the ballet vs. in your own living room- we won’t argue. These are just a few of so many forms of art worth celebrating.

Not found online. Not found in a database. By invitation only, because it’s about connecting with real people. Hosting private parties of the classiest nature, featuring vintage cocktails, piano jazz, wine tastings and more. Start asking around because Intermezzo is found only within the Anchorage community. Once again, setting Alaskans apart from the rest. Need a hint? Pick-up the trail at local Anchorage business, Sub Zero Microlounge. They feature AO’s signature and specifically designed cocktail- the Intermezzo. Get to know AO and it’s new collective, Intermezzo. That is Art Alive in Alaska.

12 years ago Short URL Comments

/////

21

Feb

I ♥ Art

What do you call art, and in how many forms does it take? Purists may argue, but the overarching trend is more forward recognition that opera is the summation of all performing arts combined to create one amazing spectacle.

The performing artist takes the stage- countless and unsurmountable hours that are the labor of love coming to final fruition. Typically clothed in a masterpiece of a costume, adorned with tresses that are nothing less than the persona they present, cosmetic and special adornments from the eyes to toes. The individual themselves becomes art. But to be taken away with them to the far off fantasy they engage requires setting the stage around them. From clouds to smoke and fire, villa’s and castles, dungeons and lakes; more artists construct everything to transport you to another realm. The end result is nothing less than spectacular.

On Saturday, February 25th we’ll take a venture to another realm, one which is in celebration of the Arts Alive in Alaska! Bringing together Anchorage Opera’s artists of Verdi’s Macbeth & Alaska Dance Theatre’s of Othello. Together, crafting one more piece of art- THE Arts Industry Party of the year.

Anchorage's beautiful Bridge Restaurant

If you love art- and if you like to mingle, if you like to laugh- this is your night. Celebrating 50 years of Opera & 30 years of Dance in Alaska at The Bridge Restaurant. With tiny bubbles abound, LIVE dancers, singers, and stars- it’s the culmination of two perfectly complimentary artistic existences.

Let them eat cake! Lucky Anchorage locals can snag the few remaining tickets for what’s to be the hottest night on the town by calling 907-277-9591

12 years ago Short URL Comments

14

Feb

Love, Lust, & Greed. Macbeth, a love story.

Happy Valentines Day the Shakespearean way! A brief insight of a most villainous and self-indulgent pair, Lord & Lady Macbeth.

Like many couples, the Macbeth’s have their problems. One can only imagine the stress of coming home to a wife like Lady Macbeth, insisting that murder is the only way to bring success and satisfaction to an otherwise dull, and meager existence and marriage. Of course, doing anything less than her wishes would have her treating you as a coward. But maybe it’s okay, because she continues to remind you that deep down, beneath it all, she really loves you.

Anchorage Opera- Verdi's Macbeth

photo by Petra Lisiecki

Throughout Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the story follows the ongoing tumultuous marriage between Lord and Lady Macbeth, and their subsequent rise and fall from glory. Lady Macbeth dramatically blurs the lines between love and lust, ambition and greed, all with seamless manipulation. The complications of their relationship forge the dark, murderous plot wherein together they eventually seize the throne. If you think you have problems- revelations of their deluded glory, and in the end, their all consuming guilt is more than enough to put any somewhat-problematic relationship to shame. While audiences can indulge in their mistakes and bare witness to their seething lust for power, cloaked in love for each other, we also know better. Their tale reminds us that while love is all powerful, it’s best used for good rather than evil. Thankfully,  the Macbeth’s list of intentions didn’t include having children to carry on their legacy of wickedness.

Verdi’s portrayal of this iconic story is a brilliant use of Shakespeare’s intense, evil-doing characters paired with traditional Italian operatic and orchestral sound. This is the only true, happy marriage resulting from Macbeth.

See it LIVE! Anchorage Opera’s Alaskan premiere of Verdi’s Macbeth begins Saturday, February 18th. Check out www.anchorageopera.org to purchase tickets now!

12 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Blog at WordPress.com.