Finger Lakes Opera to host discussion on show making its world premiere in Rochester

Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) has announced its new program, Behind the Curtain, a free panel discussion moderated by Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle, Eastman School of Music’s Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion.

The discussion will delve into the creative process of Two Corners, a newly commissioned, one-act opera that will have its world premiere on June 28 and 30 at the Robin and Timothy Wentworth Arts Building.

Two Corners is about an interracial friendship, empathy, and standing in the gap when your friend needs you.

Behind the Curtain will allow people to hear from four team members responsible for bringing the work to life: B.E. Boykin, Jarrod Lee, Kearstin Piper Brown, and Gerard Floriano.

The event is part of a multi-event rollout for Two Corners, including a free program on June 14 at 7 p.m. at Mount Olivet Baptist featuring the Mount Olivet Sanctuary Choir, Wings of Praise Flag Ministry, and FLO singers from the cast of Two Corners.

Behind the Curtain Panelists:

Composer B. E. Boykin

Boykin has been commissioned by and collaborated with multiple organizations, including the Minnesota Opera and the Kennedy Center, and is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Georgia Tech.

Librettist Jarrod Lee

In addition to his work as an accomplished librettist, Lee is a singer and engagement consultant.

Soprano Kearstin Piper Brown

Brown has recently returned home to Rochester after her debut run at The Metropolitan Opera as Evelyn in Fire Shut Up in My Bones. She is one of the most sought-after lyric sopranos in the United States. Two Corners marks Brown’s mainstage debut with FLO.

Gerard Floriano

FLO Artistic Director, Conductor, and Founder Gerard Floriano.

Behind Two Corners

When talking about his vision for Behind the Curtain, Lee said “I'm hoping that people will gain an insight of the process, but also learn more about us, as humans, as artists, will find something to relate to and be totally interested in seeing Two Corners. I think that's the ultimate goal.”

“I think we have an opportunity in Behind the Curtain to talk about how accessible this opera is," B. E. Boykin added. "Most people have their misconceptions about opera, it being kind of long and boring, and all of these things, so it may not interest people because of that. Two Corners is a very accessible opera. It is short. It is not your three-hour production, so if people are curious about opera and what it is, I think this is a good way to be slowly introduced to opera and what it is,” Boykin added.

Behind the Curtain will take place on May 22 at 7 PM on the stage of Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music.

The event is free; you can register online at fingerlakesopera.org.

Justice Marbury is the 19th Ward Reporter. She loves her energetic puppy, Hiro. Contact her on Instagram @justice_marbury and by email at jmarbury@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Finger Lakes Opera hosts discussion on show making premiere in Rochester