San Diego is getting some new musical leadership, with the announcement that San Diego Opera has finally named their new chorus master / admin. Canadian director Bruce Stasyna comes from New York, but has gotten around in the opera community, most recently spending the summer in Cleveland, directing The Grapes of Wrath for Sugar Creek Opera. He’s diving right in with SDO’s upcoming La Cenerentola, and we wish him all the best with the new sitch. Welcome to SoCal!
Tuesday’s press release follows.
[Press release — June 6]
San Diego Opera Names Bruce Stasyna as Chorus Master and Music Administrator
San Diego, CA – San Diego Opera is pleased to announce that Bruce Stasyna will join the Company as the new Chorus Director and Music Administrator, replacing Charles Prestinari who departed the Company at the end of last season for a teaching position at Indiana University. The Chorus Master and Music Administrator position is responsible for all matters relating to the preparation of the San Diego Opera Chorus, to the music administration of San Diego Opera and provides the main point of contact with the San Diego Symphony. Bruce begins today, on September 6, in time for the start of chorus rehearsals for Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola), the first mainstage opera of the 2016-2017 season which opens on October 22, 2016 for four performances.
Mr. Stasyna is currently the Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor for Washington Concert Opera, the Music Director of Vero Beach Opera, and has recently served as Cover Conductor at Boston Lyric Opera. He has held positions as Chorus Master for New York City Opera, Minnesota Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Des Moines Opera. He was the Artistic Director and Conductor for Green Mountain Opera Festival and Head of Music and Director of the Young Artist Program at Palm Beach Opera. He served as Chorus Master on many notable North American premieres including Anna Nicole, The Handmaid’s Tale, Orazi e Curiazi, and Joseph Merrick dit Elephant Man. As a pianist he has concertized with such artists as Marcello Giordani, Deborah Voigt, J’nai Bridges, Irene Roberts, Marina Costa-Jackson, and Richard Troxell.
“We are thrilled to have Bruce join us as a member of our Artistic staff,” comments David Bennett, General Director of San Diego Opera. “We did a nationwide search, and Bruce quickly rose to the top of our candidate pool. He is highly skilled as a conductor, choral technician, pianist, vocal coach, and music administrator, and members of the San Diego Opera Chorus loved working with him during his audition last month. Bruce will build on the strong choral tradition that is one of the hallmarks of San Diego Opera’s high artistic achievement.”
“After meeting with David Bennett, the production team and the San Diego Opera Chorus, it became immediately apparent that the strength of this organization lies in the dedication and vision of its team. These are qualities I look for in my artistic collaborations,” shares Stasyna.
A native of Toronto, Canada, Bruce looks forward to his time in San Diego. In his free time, he is an avid Yogi and has served as a bicycle escort for the New York City Marathon’s elite wheelchair racers.
The 2016-2017 International Season
Piotr Beczala in Recital
September 17, 2016
La Cenerentola (Cinderella) Gioachino Rossini
October 22, 25, 28 and 30 (mat), 2016
Soldier Songs David T. Little
November 11, 12 and 13 (mat), 2016
Falstaff Giuseppe Verdi
February 18, 21, 25 and 26 (mat), 2017
La Tragédie de Carmen Georges Bizet/Peter Brook
March 10, 11 and 12 (mat) 2017
La traviata Giuseppe Verdi
April 22, 25, 28 and 30 (mat), 2017
San Diego Opera Mission Statement
The mission of San Diego Opera is to deliver exceptional vocal performances and exciting, accessible programs to diverse audiences, focusing on community engagement and the transformative power of live performance.
San Diego Opera Vision Statement
The San Diego Opera will be recognized internationally as a leading example of adaptability, innovation and sustainability in the operatic arts, promoting diversified programming and unique performance venues with world-class and emerging talent.
San Diego Opera Core Values Statement
Through excellence in innovative programming and education, SDO provides a lasting cultural service to the community.
- Our tradition of excellence in fully staged opera is augmented with new models of opera and venues. Our unique and deep commitment to the community propels us to explore ways of increasing affordability and accessibility.
- Through fiscal responsibility and nimble adaptation to the changing marketplace, we protect the future of San Diego Opera.
- Our educational and community involvement coupled with relevant programming will build the audience of the future.
www.sdopera.org
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