Minot State students relishing unique opportunity in La Boheme
MINOT, N.D. – The collaboration between Western Plains Opera Company and Minot State University provides a unique experience for music fans in Northwest North Dakota.
Without the partnership, cities the size of Minot wouldn’t typically have world-class performances available.
For Minot State students, the experience is nothing short of incredible.
“Performing in a professional opera is a unique experience not usually found in the state of North Dakota,” MSU junior Nathan Sagsveen said. “We are able to work closely with professionals and learn extremely valuable skills relating to opera. This is an experience that few college musicians are able to be a part of."
Sagsveen is one of multiple Minot State students taking part in the Western Plains Opera production of “La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. Sagsveen, from Bismarck, will be playing the role of Sergeant. Tickets are on sale and available HERE or at the Ann Nicole Nelson box office each night.
“This is the first full-scale opera production I have been fortunate to be a part of. My only previous experience with opera was in an opera scenes class led by Dr. (Emerson) Eads (MSU associate professor of music and fine arts) last year. My specific role, The Sergeant, has required me to develop a stern demeanor and stature, something that I am not usually known for around the MSU music department. Although I am fairly stern on stage, I am not usually like that in person!”
“La Bohème” is an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini in the 1800s, premiering in 1896, based on Henry Murger’s novel “Scènes de la vie de Boheme.” It follows four struggling bohemians — a poet, a painter, a musician, and a philosopher — living together in Paris. A girl named Mimì joins the group and changes the quartet’s lives forever.
Minot State junior Megan Kramer, a music education major from Douglas who is no stranger to the stage at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, plays the role of Mimì’s understudy.
“I have been lucky enough to be involved in many theater productions, including the WPO production last year of ‘Carmen’ by Bizet, where I played the role of Mercedes. It was my opera debut, and I am incredibly excited to be welcomed back by the company again this year to understudy for the role of Mimì,” she said. “As a student in my undergraduate degree, I feel so lucky to be able to perform in an opera at such a young age. Being at Minot State provides the unique opportunity to perform roles and study characters that you would have to wait years to even have a chance at in other colleges.
“A big highlight for me in this process so far has been being able to share this opera with my friends. I have many colleagues from college who are participating in the chorus, and being able to see their excitement grow the same way mine did is absolutely priceless.”
While MSU students, faculty, and staff play key roles in the production, Western Plains Opera also brings in world-class talent, bolstering the production and giving the students another layer to their education. Rodolfo is played by Victor Cardamone, Mimì by Andrea Baker, Sarah Heltzel is Musetta, Daniel Scofield plays Marcello, Colline is played by Eric Delagrange, and Jason Thoms is Schaunard. Julie Wright-Costa is this year’s director.
“The opportunity to perform with professionals and my peers is truly fascinating,” said Jeremiah Akande, a sophomore music performance student from Lagos, Nigeria. “Acting and singing together has been an incredible experience, and I'm learning so much from it.”
Western Plains Opera began as a company in 1976 with “The Student Prince.” While professional singers, conductors, and stage directors are recruited to the Magic City, MSU and the surrounding community are integral to the production. This year, MSU Associate Professor Efraìn Amaya will be the conductor.
Rehearsals have been demanding for Minot State students for multiple weeks. The cast has been especially busy during the final week of preparation.
“Preparations for me in this production began months ago when I was first offered the role of Mimì's understudy,” Kramer said. “I began learning the part immediately, which means many hours of study, whether that's watching different productions, listening, score studying, and practicing singing and acting the role myself. As someone who aspires to sing opera for the rest of my life, this has provided me with insight into the role as well as how to prepare for an opera in the future.”
“The process has been quite intensive and rewarding,” added Akande. “I've been dedicating a lot of time to rehearsing with my peers and the cast of this production and my lines and getting into the mindset of a customs officer. This involves understanding the character's responsibilities and bringing authenticity to those interactions. One of the highlights has been mastering the complex scenes where it felt really rewarding to nail those intense moments.”
While it has been demanding, as opening night approaches, there is a sense of energy and excitement surrounding the production.
“It's super exciting,” Akande said. “All the hard work and preparation leading up to opening night have built up so much anticipation. The energy backstage, the buzz in the hall, and the thrill of finally showcasing our efforts to the audience make it a truly exhilarating experience. I can't wait for the curtain to rise and for the magic of live performance to unfold!”
“The biggest highlight so far has been seeing all the moving pieces of the opera come together,” Sagsveen added. “Having the chorus, orchestra, and lead roles working together for the past few days has been a phenomenal experience. We have rehearsals each night this week as we put the finishing touches on the production.
“I am extremely nervous but also very excited for opening night!”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 09/05/24
