Every year, I get to photograph Opera Colorado‘s Denver student matinee. Of course, this year, all mainstage performances are canceled so I thought I would do a throwback post instead! Looking through photos of past performances I’ve photographed is about as close as I’ll be coming to the real thing for a long time os let’s reminisce together! Last May, Opera Colorado’s Artists in Residence performed Marriage of Figaro for middle and high school students across Colorado. Here are my favorite photos from the show!
Opera Colorado’s Denver Student Matinee – Marriage of Figaro
Most of the time, when I’m photographing performances, I try to frame it so that you can’t see the edges of the stage. That way, the scene feels more realistic and the image immerses you into the story more. But every once in awhile, I like to show a bit more of the opera experience. I love getting photos of the orchestra, behind the scenes, the opera house, the audience, and the conductor when I can.
Anytime I photograph one of these performances, I make sure to get lots of photos of the kids exploring the theater and hanging out between acts. For so many of these students, this is the first professional performance they’ve seen. It’s amazing to see their faces when they walk into the theater. I wanted to focus on the performance for this post but I’ve included a few audience photos below too.
Marriage of Figaro Cast and Crew
Figaro: Eric McConnell
Susanna: Rebekah Howell
Cherubino: Kira Dills-DeSurra
Count Almaviva: Edward Laurenson
Don Basilio: Aaren Rivard
Countess Almaviva: Christie Conover
Antonio: Nicholas Kreider
Barbarina: Sally Swallow Maxwell
Conductor: Ari Pelto
Stage Director: Audrey Chait
Lighting Design: Lucas Krech
Wig and Makeup Design: Ronell Oliveri
Chorus Master and Asst. Conductor: Sahar Nouri
Répétiteur and Asst. to the Conductor: Tyler Tucker
Artist in Residence Director: Cherity Koepke
