Our Performances
Now housed on Patreon!
For Mom is a brand new 20-minute opera created just for Parea Series by composer Michael Lanci and librettist Marella Martin Koch. Daniel and Sydney are 20-something siblings planning their mom's 70th birthday party; it would be a lot easier if they could get on the same page about...anything. For Mom is directed by Parea's resident stage director Audrey Chait and features the instrumentalists of Unheard-of//Ensemble, a contemporary chamber ensemble dedicated to the development and performance of new music. The performance includes curated discussion with Will, Emily, Audrey, Michael, Marella, and Unheard-of.
Guest Artists
Michael Lanci, composer
Marella Martin Koch, librettist
Arthur + Emmeline is a 20-minute reimagining of excerpts from Purcell’s King Arthur. Music, magic, love, fantasy, and period instruments! This modern twist on a classic love story makes the perfect gift for anyone you love—or even like. Directed by Audrey Chait with scenic design by Ann Gumpper; guest artists Paula Maust, Asa Zimmerman, and Jamie Gallupe join us as a remote Baroque orchestra. Featuring curated discussion with Will, Emily, Audrey, Ann, Paula, Asa, and Jamie.
Guest Artists
Ann Gumpper, scenic designer
Asa Zimmerman, Baroque violinist & violist
Paula Maust, music director & harpsichordist
Jamie Gallupe, cellist
Parea Series + Break Into Song
Our virtual Advent calendar features twenty-four holiday songs: one for every day of December, right up through Christmas Eve! Traditional and not-so-traditional carols, Hanukkah songs, oratorio, and more, plus guest artists to talk about where these songs come from and why we love them. Late arrivals welcome; although Advent is over, the Advent Calendar will stay up well into 2021. The Advent Calendar is a collaboration with Hilary Donaldson of Break Into Song. Staging by Parea’s Resident Stage Director Audrey Chait; Anna Betka returns as pianist/carol arranger. A portion of all proceeds were donated to UNICEF.
Guest Artists
Anna Betka, pianist & arranger
Hilary Donaldson, consulting music director
Marlen Nahhas, soprano
Amr Selim, hornist
Faith Amour, composer
Terrence Chin-Loy, tenor
Praise for the Advent Calendar
“We have been enjoying the holiday spirit and music provided by Will and Emily in the Advent Calendar! A wonderful gift!”
“I’m listening to the Parea Series Advent Calendar and it’s so beautiful! Heavenly songs and it’s so enjoyable listening to Emily and Will’s voices.”
“We’re enjoying our new AM tradition of an Advent Calendar song with breakfast. Looking forward to more great music!”
An original, fully staged production of Gian Carlo Menotti's short comic opera The Telephone, set in April 2020 and filmed in the style of a TV comedy! Ben is trying to propose to Lucy, who can’t stay off her phone long enough to notice. Directed remotely by Audrey Chait and featuring curated discussion with Will, Emily, Audrey, and our guest artists.
Guest Artists
Audrey Chait, director
Anna Betka, pianist
Bruce Adolphe, composer
Trevor Neal, baritone and Artistic Director
Praise for The Telephone
“As someone who unabashedly prefers Biggie to Bohème, I can honestly say I found this production of The Telephone to be musically fantastic, deeply entertaining, and incredibly timely as well.”
“So much fun, so unlike any opera I’ve seen before, and such a creative staging. Thanks for introducing me to Menotti, and thanks for a really fun online day at the opera!”
“The commentary was enlightening and engaging. I feel like I learned a lot. I will be watching it again to listen more to the music. This is a triumph!”
Volume 1: Schumann, Mozart, Dargomyzhsky
Our first recital features opera, song, and discussion with five phenomenal guest artists. Will and Emily perform Robert Schumann’s Wilhelm Meister Songs, Osmin and Blondchen’s duet from W.A. Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail, and Alexander Dargomyzhsky’s “Vanka-Tanka.” Alison Moritz, Richard Lalli, Rob Ainsley, Vera Danchenko-Stern, and Ken Weiss join us for curated discussion.
Guest Artists
Praise for Vol. 1
“It was so effortless and so beautiful. I learned and laughed.”
“A stunning achievement! I watched from beginning to end. A marvelous recital and an exciting move into new territory.”
“We felt we were having a conversation with them both!”