UW News

March 6, 2008

Scenes from operas classic and new in School of Music’s Opera workshop March 13

The UW School of Music’s Opera Workshop will present scenes from several operas at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in Meany Studio Theater.


The workshop will feature scenes from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, Verdi’s La Traviata, Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites and Seattle composer Gloria Swisher’s new opera, Poker Alice.


Swisher, a Seattle resident, holds music degrees from the UW, Mills College and the Eastman School of Music. A member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Swisher has composed works for solo instruments, solo voices and small ensembles as well as concerti and compositions for band, wind ensemble, orchestra, and chorus, both accompanied and a cappella. She has written two musicals and three operas, as well as settings of the Service of Holy Communion and choir anthems for church services.

She has taught at Washington State University, Pacific Lutheran University, Shoreline Community College, and most recently at the UW. She performs regularly as a duo pianist with Nancy Matesky.

Tickets are $10. For more information, call 206-685-8384 or visit online at www.music.washington.edu.