Sarah Caldwell to Conduct Opera Choreographed by Patricia Birch

University of Arkansas Distinguished Professor Sarah Caldwell will conduct her first opera in Fayetteville, "Abstract Opera No.1", at 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Walton Arts Center’s Starr Theater. Only 120 tickets for this free performance are available and can be reserved by calling the Department of Music at 575-4702.

Joining Caldwell in the production is Patricia Birch, whose career has spanned all media. She has earned two Emmys, five Tony nominations, and MTV, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Her most recent Broadway projects include "Parade at Lincoln Center", "Band in Berlin", and "Exactly Like You".

She has created the choreography for more than a dozen original Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including "Grease", "Candide", "They’re Playing our Song", and "The Me Nobody Knows". Her opera projects include "Salome", "The Mikado", and "Street Scene", while her film credits include "Grease", "Roseland", and "First Wives Club". She won Emmys for her direction of "Celebrating Gershwin" and "Natalie Cole, Unforgettable". In addition, Ms. Birch has directed and choreographed videos for Cyndi Lauper, Carly Simon, and the Rolling Stones.

"I’m very excited to be working with Pat again," said Professor Caldwell. At the Opera Company of Boston, Birch provided artistic direction for three productions conducted by Caldwell, "The Mass", "The Balcony", and "Figaro".

"Abstract Opera No.1" is composed of seven scenes: Angst, Love No. 1, Sorrow, Diplomatic Meeting, Panic, Love No. 2, and Angst. The invented language of the text reveals that words are not necessary for communicating what people feel, from love to anxiety and sorrow.

The set for the 35-minute production, consisting of 200 cardboard boxes, is an abstract cityscape that will be assembled to depict various scenes such as the United Nations and the Berlin Wall. In the end, everything is reduced to rubble by war.

Margory Taggart, Dennis Brewer, William Skaggs, and Doug Spurlin will lead a cast of 20 student vocalists, accompanied by an orchestra of faculty members and students.

Jason Smith, production manager, said "Abstract Opera No.1" is a great opera for teaching students about the art. "They must be active, thinking and working every second. It’s wonderful preparation for opera singers."