Arts groups collaborate for 'Mozart'

In the modern era, opera has become an art form considered too esoteric for the average person.

The Acting Company and the Borgamaria Lyric Opera hope to change that attitude with the joint effort, "The Best of Mozart: An Evening of His Most Beloved Operas." The performance is at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City.

"During World War II, the average person was listening to opera on the radio. Now, it's only for people who are aficionados. What we want to do is educate people about the opera and make it accessible," said Curt Schroeder of The Acting Company, who organized the concert.

"It's some of the most memorable and beautiful music from Mozart's opera," said Joaquina Johnson of the Borgamaria Lyric Opera.

The inspiration for the one-weekend-only event came from The Acting Company's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" last year, which Schroeder directed.

"I had become interested in doing some things in the theater that would expand its base, but I wasn't just interested in expanding The Acting Company, but expanding the interest in the arts in this community," he said. "When all three 'Jesus Christ Superstar' shows sold out, I saw that there was an interest in the local community for events that are different from the usual offerings."

The Mozart pieces set for the concert are among his most famous. They include "The Marriage of Figaro," "The Magic Flute" and "Don Giovanni."

"Mozart is generally considered the greatest opera composer ever," Schroeder said. "His operas have melodies that people could hum as they're walking out."

Mozart's most famous opera is "The Magic Flute," and is, according to Schroeder, "a lot like a modern musical. It has a lot of comedy."

"People who saw (the film) 'Amadeus' know how accessible Mozart is," he said.

Performers for the Mozart opera selections include the Borgamaria Lyric Opera company, along with four opera singers from outside the area: soprano Svetlana Nikitenko, mezzo-soprano Lisa Van der Ploeg, tenor Daniel Ebbers and baritone Burr Phillips.

Accompanying the singers are pianist Greg Mason, violinist Shumin Lin and clarinetist David Coe.

The Mozart concert is the first time The Acting Company and the Yuba-Sutter Regional Arts Council have collaborated on one event. Depending on the success of "The Best of Mozart," Schroeder said he would like the two groups to collaborate again.

A no-host reception will follow the concert at the City Café on Plumas Street in Yuba City.

"If you're someone who loves Mozart, your plate will overflow," Johnson said. "This should be a lovely evening."

"St. Andrew Presbyterian Church is a great venue for musical performance," Schroeder said. "With this concert, we hope to bridge the gap between heavy opera and musicals, and set up an opera primer.