STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Wagner College Opera will present “Echoes Between the Lines” next month, a program featuring scenes from Mozart, Handel, Verdi, Puccini, Berlioz, Sondheim, Lehár and Bernstein.
The production explores the idea that in music, poetry and everyday life, meaning often lies beneath the surface.
Director of Opera Dr. Vincent Graña said this year’s program challenges students to look more deeply into the works they perform.
“What makes this year’s scenes program special is how it pushes our students to dig deeper into what these scenes actually mean and what they as artists can bring to the music and drama,” Graña said. “They’re stepping out of their comfort zones, taking risks, and discovering they can do things they never imagined.
“Seeing that breakthrough, the moment they really feel the power of opera, is the most rewarding part for me.”
Performances are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. on the Wagner College Main Stage in Main Hall Theatre, One Campus Road.
Scene from 2024 Wagner College Opera’s fall program. (Courtesy Tala Klezmer)Courtesy Tala Klezmer
The production is stage and music directed by Graña, with collaborative pianist Giovanni Longo.
The creative team includes choreographer Jillian Rubino, producer Michelle Siemens, scenic designer Selina Amargo, lighting designer Harley Cooper and stage manager Adar Marcus. Special thanks were extended to Vicki Neal and Phill Hickox.
The cast features Victoria Acquavita, Selina Amargo, David Azcona, Kayli Blanchard, Luke Curcio, Shane DeLacy, Destiny Elias, Madison Garcia, Ava Giglia, Kat Kiefski, Jesse Lefurge, Meg Loy, Miriam Lupu, Jacky Maloney, Lindsay McCowan, Marc Mundsinger, Sophia Nelson, Cassandra Nieves, Donata O’Neill, Antonio Paz, Aria Peng, Daniel Manuel Torres and Caleb Ullian.
Scene from 2024 Wagner College Opera’s fall program. (Courtesy Tala Klezmer)Courtesy Tala Klezmer
TICKET INFO
General admission is $20. Wagner College faculty, staff and students may attend for free. SILive.com readers can receive 10% off their ticket purchase using promo code: SILive.
Tickets can be purchased online at wagner.edu/performing-arts, by calling the box office at 718-390-3259, or by emailing boxoffice@wagner.edu.
The box office is open Monday through Friday, 12–4 p.m., and one hour before each performance.
All proceeds support Wagner College Opera productions.
Parking is available in the Tiers Lot Visitor Parking area and the Stadium Parking Lot. For GPS directions to the campus entrance, guests are advised to use 631 Howard Ave., Staten Island.
Scene from 2024 Wagner College Opera’s fall program. (Courtesy Tala Klezmer)Courtesy Tala Klezmer
ABOUT WAGNER COLLEGE OPERA
Wagner College Opera, now in its sixth year under Graña’s direction, focuses on training students in musicianship, diction, stagecraft and vocal performance through a range of operatic repertoire.
The program presents full-length productions, scenes programs, cabarets and intimate performances throughout the academic year.
More information is available on Instagram at @wagnercollegevocalperformance, and past performances can be viewed on the program’s YouTube channel.