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FeedCome Along for the Ride at St. Joseph’s
photo by Father Jacob Ledwon
Ron Martin and the cast of Riders to the Sea get ready for the weekend's performance.
Fans of Irish playwright J.M. Synge—a student of music, language, and literature, whose plays were derided during his lifetime, but which have now become part of the Irish canon—have a new reason to celebrate. That is the premier of Roland E. Martin’s new opera, “Riders to the Sea,” based on Synge’s 1904 one-act play of the same name.
In celebration of St. Joseph University Parish Church’s 160th anniversary, where Martin is organist, Opera Sacra is presenting an “An Evening of Music by Roland E. Martin,” this coming Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 and 20, at 8 p.m.
Opera Sacra, now in its 35th year, performs staged works on biblical or religious-inspired themes; and also focuses on such major events as the 100th, 200th or 300th anniversaries of important composers (Puccini, Menotti, Schubert, Mozart, etc.).
Says Martin: “The performance this week is in honor of the 160th anniversary of St. Joseph University Parish—OK, maybe not one of those major anniversaries—and also celebrates my 18 years there.”
The opera tells a story, says Martin, of “a very Irish tragedy.” As operas go, he adds, it’s “nothing scary for the uninitiated” (count me in!).
Further detailing his attitudes about opera, he says: “I eschew the usual operatic conventions—‘screamy’ sopranos; long-held high notes, etc.—in fact, there is only one soprano. The other two women are low-voiced. The vocal writing is very natural and narrative. It is sung in English. We will provide a thorough synopsis of the plot.”
I also asked him how long the performance will last (you do want to know these things). The answer: approximately 45 minutes.
Maurya, the central role, is played by mezzo-soprano Melissa Thorburn, a member of the Canisius faculty, and a first-prize winner of the Metropolitan Opera New England Regional Auditions. She has been engaged by such distinguished organizations as the Metropolitan Opera and the National Symphony.
Nora is played by Colleen Marcello, who currently teaches at SUNY Fredonia. Says Martin of this supporting lady: “She’s a local favorite with considerable NYC, even Broadway, experience.”
The lone male role is covered by tenor Jeffrey Porter. Laurie Tramuta rounds out the cast, and Martin himself will conduct the orchestra.
Roland E. Martin (known as Ron) is a composer, teacher/professor, organist, pianist and harpsichordist. He has over 100 compositions in publication. He is also a beer aficionado, going so far as to spend months out of the year in Belgium, yes, in hops pursuit.
“Many theater scholars refer to this play as ‘the only 20th century tragedy.’ They mean that, of course, in the Greek sense,” says Martin. “It is not Synge's best-known play, but often considered his best. His language is VERY West Irish. While the play was not made for music, its lyrical language makes it a natural. Ralph Vaughan Williams set it as an opera in 1935, but omitted much of the script. I have utilized it in full, not changing a jot. I feel this contributes greatly to the development, however brief, of the characters.”
A choral work will start the program; “Such Glorious Gifts: Seven Poems by George Herbert for Chorus and Orchestra” lasts about 30 minutes in actuality, but the songs are eternal in their beauty.
Sums up Martin, “The pieces are alternately joyous or meditative, filled with hope, optimism, yearning, even dance-like euphoria. Essentially the polar opposite of Riders.”
Suggested donation at the door: $10
