OFF HOURS

Kathryne Jennings: applied voice instructor, new artistic director of Ocean State Lyric Opera


For the past six months, applied voice instructor Kathryne Jennings has been on a roller coaster called OSLO - the Ocean State Lyric Opera. This nationally known opera singer "jumped in with both feet" as OSLO's new artistic director last March. The company, formerly named Ocean State Light Opera, primarily produced lively Gilbert and Sullivan fare. But the company wanted to expand its repertoire and mount grand operas as well, such as its grand production of Puccini's "Rigoletto" at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium.

In her "spare time," Jennings is captain of OSLO's sea change, and she loves every hectic moment. "It's exciting to me because at this point there are no professional opera companies in Rhode Island," she said. "I want this opera company to produce and perform operas of the highest artistic quality. I would like to be able to use the qualified local singers, orchestra players, technicians - talent. We have such incredible singers in the area who we never get to hear singing opera because there aren't opportunities to do so right in our own back yard."

Jennings is also using Brown talent, including current students and alumni, most of whom she taught. The Brown singers include Ronald Rathier, assistant to the director of Latin American Studies; Daniel Acheson '01, Nicholas Albertson '99, Angela Arnold '99, Matthew Garrett '99, Shana Rose Harvey '99, Kathryn Mueller '02, Sasha Olinick '96, Philip Pierce '01, and Amy Thompson '83.

Jennings' long-range plans for OSLO are ambitious. In addition to doing one to two major productions each year, plus a light opera in the summer, she wants to explore a collaborative effort with other arts organizations in the city, even perhaps commissioned pieces or new takes on old pieces. "I like to push the limits a little bit," she said. "It may attract a different audience or stretch the usual opera goers." Jennings also wants to spark interest in OSLO's outreach program, Opera-tunity, which takes the singers to schools and demonstrates the fundamentals of opera through abbreviated performances. Her other dream is to attract a core group of young artists, fresh out of conservatory, who want experience performing but aren't ready for the lead roles in big productions.

Next year's big production will be Puccini's "La Boheme," with a summer romp with "The Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert and Sullivan.

Jennings knows that this is a pivotal year for OSLO, and "Rigoletto" will be the pivotal first act. "It's been a different kind of company up to this point. This is the year we have to prove ourselves." - Linda J.P. Mahdesian

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