Two operas to 'wow' the Metrowest area
By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

Northborough resident Rebecca Grimes PHOTO/SUBMITTED

Region - The old will meet the new when two operas - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "The Impresario" and present-day composer Dan Shore's "The Beautiful Bridegroom" - debut at the First Baptist Church in Worcester Friday Feb. 22.

Both operas, put on by the Worcester Opera Works (WOW), will feature local talent. Directing "The Beautiful Bridegroom" is Northborough resident Rebecca Grimes, who also has a soprano lead role in "The Impresario."

"The Beautiful Bridegroom" tells the story of a widow who would rather find a husband for herself than for her single daughters.

In "The Impresario," a tale about the rivalry between a diva and up-and-coming ingénue, singers Jeff Black, Grimes, Ian Watson and Dave Bonneau will play the roles of Mr. Scruples (the Impresario), Miss Sweetsong, Mr. Ivory and Mr. Bluff , respectively.

"['The Impresario' is] a soprano smackdown ... with a good bit of vocal fireworks," Grimes said.

Grimes has lived in Northborough for seven years and has performed in Handel's "Messiah" and in "The Marriage of Figaro," as Susanna, among other roles.

She said the part of Susanna is considered the biggest soprano role in opera, but the greatest difficulty for her performing it was the length of time she spent on stage. Often, she said, other roles require learning more difficult music, but less physical strain from costumes, such is the case with Miss Sweetsong.

"Each role is a completely different experience," she added.

Grimes's music career began in the church choir when she was 3 years old. She later went to Sam Houston State College in Texas and Loyola University in New Orleans before completing a master's degree in voice at the New England Conservatory of Music.

She is in the process of earning a doctorate in musical arts at the University of Connecticut.

Grimes also appears as a soloist for the University of Connecticut Choir and Falmouth Chorale. In addition to her singing, she is a cofounder and stage director of Opera del West, a Bostonbased opera company.

According to Grimes, the universal appeal of operas is a reason she loves performing.

"It is very exciting to reenact something that was composed hundreds of years ago," she said. "I am always inspired by the fact that no matter what the language, culture or time period, the human condition remains the same."

Grimes believes that a good composer can capture the human spirit through music and make a centuries-old story relevant.

She added that her fellow performers and musicians inspire her.

"I am always very inspired by the level of talent and commitment of the people I work with," she said. "We are very fortunate in the Boston area to have people who are so well-trained and yet generous with their time and talent."

She also enjoys introducing new operas to people who may not have access them. Opera del West gives her an opportunity to do that. The most recent performance was a children's show in Natick called "Once Upon an Opera," which she directed.

"That was a real treat to put together and was quite a hit with the audience," she said. "My business partner and I are particularly proud of the fact that we have figured out a way to present a high level of performing to suburban audiences."

As for advice, Grimes suggested several tips for aspiring singers.

"Find people who are respected in their field and are willing to help guide you," she said. "I also encourage young singers to find a teacher who doesn't push them to sing music that they are not ready for - there are a lot of singers running around with vocal problems because of a wellmeaning, but misinformed, teacher."

She also encouraged singers to find as many opportunities to sing as they can.

"Classical music exists to elevate us and inspire us to do something bigger than ourselves and, when it is done right, I believe it does just that," she said.

The operas presented by WOW will be performed in English at Gordon Hall in the First Baptist Church located at 111 Park Avenue in Worcester Friday Feb. 22 at 8 p.m., Saturday Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. with a pre-performance lecture by Dr. Richard Kimball.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and students, and $10 for students in grades 12 and under (school vacation special). They are available online at www.worcesteroperaworks. com or by mail at P.O. Box 33, Rutland, MA 01543. For more information, call 508-930-7062 or send e-mail to tickets@worcesteroperaworks. com.