"O Pioneers!" Premieres Friday

Barbara Harbach's opera O Pioneers!, based on the 1913 novel by Willa Cather, makes its world premiere this weekend at the Blanche M. Touhill PAC on the campus of UMSL.

In a recent radio interview, Harbach stated that her inspiration to write O Pioneers! stemmed from an earlier commission of a symphony based upon another Willa Cather novel--One of Ours--which enamored her to the author's works. She also believes that the original novel has "all the elements that an opera needs: long-term loving relationships, sibling rivalry and murder."

The Collaborators & Designers

Harbach worked with librettist Jonathan Yordy, director of public relations at UMSL, to adapt the Willa Cather novel. Artistic Director/Conductor Scott Schoonover, of Union Avenue Opera, has assembled a cast of professional singers, a 16-member chorus and a 32-piece orchestra. Mark Meier, who has worked extensively at UAO and Muddy River Opera Company stages the production. Dimensions Dance Center provides a troupe of dancers. Allyson Ditchey stage manages. Patrick Huber, Felia Davenport and Kimberly Klearman design the sets, costumes and lighting, respectively.

The Cast

Soprano Gina Galati, founder of New Opera St. Louis, heads the cast as Alexandra Bergson, a strong, prosperous, reserved pioneer woman. Tenor Thomas Wazelle sings the role of Emil Bergson, Alexandra's educated, well-traveled youngest brother. UAO veteran soprano Ann Hoyt appears as Marie Shabata, a lively, yet unhappily-married bohemian woman. Portraying Marie's jealous husband, Frank, is baritone Ian Greenlaw. Baritone David Dillard returns to St. Louis to sing the role of rustic seer Ivar. Making his St. Louis debut, tenor Robert Boldin sings the role of Carl Linstrum, Alexandra's childhood friend and rekindled love interest. Tenor Joshua Stanton sings the role of Amédée, Emil's close friend. Tenor Philip Touchette and Baritone Thomas Sitzler portray Alexandra's disapproving, bumbling brothers Oscar and Lou.
Last week, Barbara Harbach, Mark Meier and Scott Schoonover sat down with Steve Potter of 90.7 KWMU's Cityscape to discuss the opera and its production. The Cityscape program may be heard here. Sarah Bryan Miller of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has written an article in advance of the production.

O Pioneers! runs October 9 & 10 at 8:00 pm in the Anheuser Busch Hall of the Blanche M. Touhill PAC. Visit the Touhill PAC website for tickets and more information.