The calendar soon turns to November and the start of a busy month in the arts community. Leading off is Opera in Williamsburg’s presentation of Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice” in the Kimball Theatre on Nov. 4, 7 and 9.
Based on the Greek mythology of Orpheus traveling to the underworld to recover his wife, Eurydice, things don’t end up very well, until they do and then, who knows? Only Naama Zahavi-Ely, OiW’s founder and stage director for this production. The end could take one of several twists, so it will be interesting to see how things really do work out for the couple.
The score is not opera-extravagant on purpose, Gluck favoring emotional and simplicity. It is a lovely score with numerous vocally captivating and impressive moments, all of which make “Orfeo” one of Gluck’s most popular works.
John Shulson
Jorge Parodi conducts. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 7 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 9. For tickets, visit operainwilliamsburg.org. Attendees can also reserve a seat for the pre-opera talk by Glenn Winters.
Williamsburg Contemporary Arts Center
Get a head start on holiday shopping by visiting the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center’s annual Small Works & Holiday Market, which starts Nov. 5 and runs through Dec. 19 in the Westover Avenue gallery.
According to WCAC program chair Apryl Altman, the event will offer smaller, reasonably priced creative works by WCAC member artists, photographers and artisans.
“We enjoy offering a diversity of unique artwork that our visitors can purchase for gift giving during the holiday season, and not just holiday-related items,” Altman said. The show is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with newly added Sunday hours, 1 to 3 p.m.
William & Mary Arts Quarter
The W&M Arts Quarter’s music series continues with the American Patchwork Quartet at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Concert Hall of the Music Arts Center. Recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album 2025, the quartet provides its own twist to American folk songs with jazz, country, West African and East Asian music, all in praise of America’s rich diversity of cultures and immigration. For tickets, visit wm.universitytickets.com.
Williamsburg Music Club
After several years of quietness, the Williamsburg Music Club is back presenting Trio Niche at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 8 in the Comey Recital Hall at William & Mary. The Trio specializes in music from the turn of the 19th century, when the pianoforte was used, which, according to a news release, “created a rather small niche in music history.”
Trio Niche re-opens the Williamsburg Music Club’s musical offerings after a several-year pause Nov. 8 in W&M’s Comey Recital Hall with a program of 19th century selections. From left, Susan Via, violin; Tom Marshall, pianoforte; and Sarah Closson, cello. (Dean Shinn)
The ensemble is a follow-on group from what was known as The Wren Masters. The current membership consists of Tom Marshall, pianoforte; Susan Via, violin; and Sarah Glosson, cello — all current and past members of the W&M music faculty. The pianoforte Marshall plays is a modern replica of an 1805 Walther instrument and the violin and cello date to the 19th century.
The concert is free; however, tickets can be reserved by visiting wm.universitytickets.com or at the door. A reception follows.
Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra
The WSO is presenting a light-hearted “Broadway Divas” program at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the Williamsburg Community Chapel. The program consists of Broadway hits and endless melodies, with “divas” Alli Mauzey and Nicole Parker, both of whom have been featured as Glinda and Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway. Both have also toured with the show, in addition to having extensive backgrounds in other Great White Way shows.
Expect songs from such productions as “Wicked,” “Chicago,” “Les Misérables,” “Frozen,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Hairspray” and more.
Guest conductor will be Morihiko Nakahara, music director of the South Carolina Philharmonic and a guest conductor throughout the country with major orchestras.
For tickets, visit williamsburgsymphony.org/concerts. This program is not included in the live stream subscription.
Recap
While I was unable to attend the recent Chamber Music Society and Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra performances, I was able to take advantage of trying out the WSO’s live streaming capability. While nothing beats a live performance, this was rewarding. The resonance of sound was, quite naturally, not that of the hall, but it was good, and the camera work was much more than I expected. In fact, much like the Met broadcasts, it allowed a look inside the orchestra at players you never really see.
As for the program, it was sophisticated and engaging, befitting its “From Courts to Castles” title. The opening Respighi “Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3,” was delicate and refined, in marked contrast to the happy Haydn Sinfonia Concertante, which featured WSO principals Akemi Takayamo on violin, Ryan Lannan on cello, Shawn Welk on oboe and Thomas Schneider on bassoon. The four easily displayed excellence and mastery of instrument, interpretation, collaboration and just fine music making. These are highly experienced performers who have boastful credentials beyond the WSO. Lyricism, spirit and virtuoso flair blended with the orchestra, making it a terrific moment.
Quite meditative was Dowland’s “Lachrimae Antiquae,” somber, thoughtful and a brilliant lead into the opening lines of the closing Mendelssohn “Reformation” Symphony. Conductor Michael Butterman chose to let the Dowland lead directly into the “Reformation” and it was so fine. The WSO delivered the goods in aces, embracing the spirit and substance of the work and drawing it to its magnificent and bold close.
Have information about the arts in the Historic Triangle? Contact John Shulson at johnshulson@gmail.com.
