Current Season
By JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
“Susannah” is an opera in two acts by the American composer Carlisle Floyd, who wrote the libretto and music while a member of the piano faculty at Florida State University.
Floyd adapted the story from the Apocryphal tale of “Susannah and the Elders,” though the latter story has a more positive ending.
The opera’s story focuses on 18-year-old Susannah Polk, an innocent girl who is targeted as a sinner in the small mountain town of New Hope Valley, in the southern state of Tennessee.
The opera was awarded the New York Music Critics Circle Award for Best New Opera in 1956 and was chosen to represent American music and culture at the World’s Fair in Brussels in 1958. And now, “Susannah” has made its way to The Delaware Valley Opera Center in beautiful Lake Huntington, NY.
As for the opera’s inspiration, “Susanna and the Elders” is a narrative included in the Book of Daniel by the Catholic and Orthodox churches. It is one of the additions to Daniel, placed in the Apocrypha by Protestants; Lutherans, Anglicans and Methodists regard it as non-canonical (not sanctioned) but “useful for purposes of edification” according to Wikipedia.
Spoiler Alert: A brief synopsis of the original story provided by Wikipedia informs that “lecherous voyeurs falsely accused a fair Hebrew wife named Susanna. As she bathes privately in her locked and walled garden, a few elders spy on her bathing. The men realize that they lust for Susanna and when she makes her way back to the house, they accost her, demanding she have ‘relations’ with them. When she refuses, they have her arrested, claiming that the reason she sent her maids away was to be alone as she was having ‘relations’ with a young man under a tree.”
The reason for my attaching the synopsis is simple. Many people immediately shut down upon hearing the word “opera,” and the fine folks at the DVO would love to see that change. Gone are the days of a fat lady named Brunnhilde sporting a Viking helmet and inspiring old men to nap. Gone are the days of lovely ladies in sparkling gowns arriving in limos with men wearing tuxes and bow ties.
Gone, but not forgotten, as audiences in the Upper Delaware River region are invited to adopt a come-as-you-are dress code, sip an adult beverage at intermission and hear an American opera sung in English for all to understand.
Not only did I see “Susannah” last weekend, but I was blown away. The score, written by Floyd, is a wow, and as performed by Jessica Sandidge (Susannah), Jonathan Stinson (Blitch), Daniel Kamalic (Sam) and Ramon Tenefrancia (Little Bat) a double-wow. The singers are more than simply “in fine form,” but are incredibly skilled, wildly talented and just plain impressive, helping to make opera more accessible, simply by being amazing.
Supporting players Andrew Wannigman, Robert Flora, Marcus Huber and Christopher Fistonich are also impressive, and a layered, thoughtful standout performance from Suzanne Dvorken (Mrs. McLean) helps drive the story home.
Rounding out the cast are too many players to name here, but each adds nice touches and flair to a stylish production. It boasts a very cool, simple-yet-effective set design and construction courtesy of Barclay Lottimer, Keith Eisenstark, Steve Marisky and Dan Brinkerhoff. The costumes add to the overall production by effectively illustrating time and place.
Friday March 22, 2024 - This article originally appeared in the Sullivan County Democrat newspaper.
by Brian Chidester
Pedro Boregaard is a purveyor of beauty. His artisan jewelry business—originally located at Madison Avenue and 53rd Street in Manhattan, now on Main Street in Narrowsburg—celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. He is also a sculptor, a gardener, an antiquarian, and more recently, a folk singer.
His first-ever solo performance takes place tomorrow — at the Delaware Valley Opera Co.’s Arts Nest — March 23 at 6 p.m.
At seventy-seven, odds are against him to achieve notoriety or success with his music, yet he feels compelled all the same. The impetus, in fact, came seven years ago, following a partial loss of sight and a diagnosis of macular degeneration.
His first composition, “I Don’t Know What Made Me Do It,” came shortly after. It is an everyman’s tale cast in Wild West narrative tropes. Then came two more. He performed them at various open-mic nights around Sullivan County to gain comfortability and gauge audience reaction. Now he has thirteen songs. Enough for a stand-alone gig. Possibly an album.
Boregaard is lithe, even a bit gangly, save for his debonnair sense of style. He wears dark glasses on-stage and projects an air of the classic troubadour. Like the Renaissance-era memoirist Benvenuto Cellini, he basks in the creative pedigree of his parents, both of them ballet dancers. Also of his apprenticeship as a young man with the prestigious Hemmerle jewelry house in Munich.
A celebration of River Rep’s artists and audience, benefiting their 2024 season
River Rep Theatre will present its First Annual Gala Benefit on April 13 at 7pm at the Delaware Valley Opera Center in Lake Huntington, NY. A co-production between River Rep and Delaware Valley Opera, the evening will include an exciting program of staged scenes (including Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art’ and other plays in River Rep’s 2024 season), songs, and solo piano, performed by a talented lineup of local and visiting artists, including:Arthur Aulisi, Ayana Banks, Jonathan Brody, Thomas Cambridge, Matt Carpenter, Frank DeGroat, Lisa Gonsalves, Jim Fyfe, Kazzrie Jaxen, Harrison Killian, G. Oliver King, Lexee McEntee, Christopher Peditto, Gregory Thomas, Greg Triggs, Crystal Tweed and Amy Laird Webb.
A full buffet will be served, with delicious food from our sponsor restaurants - Old Foundation, Callicoon Brewery, Creek House, Santorini Mix Grill, Local Pizza, and more. A cash bar will serve beer, wine and soft drinks throughout the event.
Post-performance festivities will include a feast and celebration (dancing is encouraged!) and Silent Auction, where patrons can bid on donated goods and services, including original artwork, Splash Passes at the Kartrite Water Resort, tickets to The Forestburgh Playhouse, and much more!
Tickets $50 in advance, $60 at the door. BUY NOW at myrivertickets.com.
Learn more at riverrep.org.
it'Listen to the recent interview with Valerie Mansi and Jodi Siblia, Curator for the Arts Nest Gallery on WJFF Radio Catskill.
Prepare to be immersed in a world of artistic splendor at the Catskill Artisan and Fine Art Exhibition, a feast for the senses that promises to leave you captivated and inspired!
Event Details:
- Artist Reception: November 18th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM- Location: Delaware Valley Opera Center Arts Nest:
6692 St. Rte. 52, Lake Huntington, New York 12752-0124
Exhibition Duration: November 18th, 2023 - January 29th, 2024
From the moment you step into the Arts Nest, you'll find yourself transported into a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Marvel at the masterpieces curated for your visual delight, each stroke and shade telling a unique story.
Why You Can't Miss It:
Dazzling Diversity: Explore a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, from contemporary masterpieces to timeless classics, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent within our community.
Wine & Cheese Reception: Elevate your art experience with a complimentary wine and cheese reception during the opening night. Sip, savor, and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts in a celebration of creativity.
Engaging Conversations: Connect with the brilliant minds behind the artwork. Gain insights into their creative process and be part of a dynamic dialogue that brings the art to life.
Free Admission: This is not just an exhibition; it's an invitation to an unforgettable experience. Admission is free, making it accessible to all who appreciate the power of artistic expression.
Mark Your Calendar:
The artist reception on November 18th is your exclusive entry into this visual extravaganza. But don't worry if you can't make it on opening night – the exhibition will continue to grace the Delaware Valley Opera Arts Nest until January 29th, 2024.
Come one, come all! Let the Catskill Artisan and Fine Art Exhibition be a source of joy, wonder, and inspiration for you and your loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of artistry, elegance, and community.
Two Singer-Songwriters in One Evening
Find your way to the new intimate performance space ARTS NEST next Sat Oct 21 for an entertaining evening of original music. Our Autumn Concert Series features the incredible talents of local musicians in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where the music can really reach you. Come out and find out what we mean. Julian Giaimo and Cody Melville will perform in this intimate space, bringing your their best. Doors open at 7pm, music from 8 - 10pm.
Arts Nest offers a large variety of entertainment year-round in a comfortable, friendly setting – a fun place for serious artists. Come with your friends, take a table, have a few drinks and small plates, while enjoying the performances.
The 'Arts Nest' is a haven for creativity and artistic expression in our community, and this event marks the beginning of a new era in our commitment to supporting local artists. We have curated a diverse collection of artworks that showcase the immense talent that resides right here in our region. From paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed-media pieces, there's something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
This Art Opening is not just an exhibition; it's a celebration. We will provide light refreshments and beverages to enhance your viewing experience. It's also a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with fellow art enthusiasts, local artists, and members of our community who share a passion for the arts.
We believe that art has the power to inspire, transform, and unite communities, and we hope that you will be a part of this momentous occasion as we kickstart this exciting venture at the Delaware Valley Opera 'Arts Nest.'
Thank you for your continued support of the arts, and we look forward to sharing this remarkable evening with you. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let's celebrate the local artistic spirit together on September 17th from 4 - 6pm!
Warm regards,
Jodi Sibilia
Curator
Delaware Valley Opera 'Arts Nest'
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