Atlanta Opera Extras Teaches More About Music and Themes in Porgy and Bess

The Atlanta Opera has launched Atlanta Opera Extras, community outreach initiatives that entertain and educate audiences about opera. A complete listing of upcoming events is below:

Perspectives from The Atlanta Opera Chorus
Monday, January 31, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Spelman College, Science Auditorium, Room 134
Free and open to the public

Select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus will share their experiences performing Gershwin's American folk-opera, Porgy & Bess at Paris' Opèra-Comique, and how these experiences have influenced their perspectives on this American classic. Audience questions are welcome.

Porgy &Bess @ Broke-ology
February 2, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Southwest Arts Center
Free to Broke-ology ticket holders

Members of the esteemed Atlanta Opera Chorus will be performing arias from Porgy & Bess before a performance of True Colors Theatre's Broke-ology by Nathan Louis-Jackson. The production, directed by Kenny Leon, and starring Jasmine Guy, is a comic drama that encourages us to stay linked to our roots no matter where life takes us.

Evening at Emory
American Originals: George Gershwin and Porgy & Bess
Tuesdays, February 8 - March 1 @ 7PM
Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning
Tuition: $200 (includes performance tickets)

Carter Joseph's popular Evening at Emory class will explore the musical and social influences in George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess. On March 1, the class will attend The Atlanta Opera's production of this American masterpiece.

Opera Chat
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7PM
Barnes & Noble Buckhead
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 310
Atlanta, GA
Free and open to the public

Select members of the cast, artistic and production crews will discuss the multi-faceted roles they play in mounting The Atlanta Opera's upcoming production of Porgy & Bess.

The Atlanta Opera Artist Luncheon
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 12 pm
The St. Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Road
$80/person (includes parking)

The public is invited to attend an Artist Luncheon celebrating Gershwin's Porgy & Bess with Larry Marshall, Stage Director; Walter Huff, Chorus Master; Principal Singers from the production; and select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus. Please respond by February 7 to Amanda Wilborn at (404) 591-2928 or amandaw@atlantaopera.org.

Low-Country Favorites
Tuesday, February 15

The Cook's Warehouse - Decatur

In honor of the company's upcoming production of Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera has teamed up with The Cook's Warehouse - Decatur to offer "Low Country Favorites," - a low-country cooking class. Charleston, South Carolina, where Porgy & Bess is set, is one of the homes of low-country cooking. Students will have the opportunity to learn about themes from the upcoming production while learning to cook classics from this tasty cuisine. The class will be taught by Chef Rosemary Rutland.

Ethical Themes in Porgy & Bess
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 7PM
Emory Center for Ethics at Emory University
Free and open to the public

As part of Emory University's Ethics in the Arts Initiative, Stage Director Larry Marshall and select artists from The Atlanta Opera's production of Porgy & Bess will discuss the history of the opera, perform musical selections, and engage in ethical discussion about the controversy surrounding Gershwin's work.

Opera 101
Monday, February 21, 2011 @ 7PM
The Atlanta Opera Center
1575 Northside Drive, NW
Bldg. 300, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Free and open to the public

In this multi-media presentation by opera aficionado and Atlanta Opera Board Member Carter Joseph, audiences can learn about the history, background, and story line of Porgy & Bess. Reservations are requested; call 404-881-8801.

Pre-Opera Talk
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7 pm
Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 2 pm
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders

Pre-Opera Talks are held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre and provide opera attendees a free sneak peek into the opera they are about to see.

Sistagraphy Photography Exhibit
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders

During the run of George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera will exhibit photographs by members of Sistagraphy. These collective works examine the contemporary and historical issues that affect our society through the photographic medium.

Exhibit of Artist Leroy Campbell's Gullah Collection
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders

During the run of Porgy and Bess, audiences can experience the rich multi-media collage techniques of Leroy Campbell's acclaimed Gullah Collection. His work, deeply rooted in African-American history, culture and traditions, evokes the complexity of the African-American experience.

Atlanta Opera Student Shorts
Thursday, March 3, 2011 @ 10AM and Noon
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Admission $8

An abbreviated version of the mainstage production, The Atlanta Opera Student Shorts are approximately one hour in length, and are performed with full sets, costumes and lighting and accompanied by The Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Accompanying educational materials correspond directly with Georgia Performance Standards in the Performing Arts, English and Language Arts, History and Social Studies. Call 770-916-2923 or visit www.cobbenergycentre.com for reservations.

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Performance
Friday, March 4, 2011, 7-8 PM
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Lobby
Free to ticketholders

Before the March 4, 2011 performance of George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble will be performing in the lobby of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.