Andrew Lunsford to Join Chautauqua Opera Young Artist Program During 2014 Summer Season

By: Jul. 15, 2014
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Andrew Lunsford, dubbed the "Accidental Tenor" by CNN during a primetime news story, will be performing as a Young Artist with the Chautauqua Opera Young Artist Program during the festival's 2014 summer season.

"It is an invaluable experience for an emerging artist, to be surrounded by a vibrant community of world-class directors, coaches, and colleagues." Mr. Lunsford commented about his participation in the program. "During such a dangerous time for the arts in our country, it is a gift to collaborate with these talented artists to perform works at such a high level."

Mr. Lunsford was one of twenty-seven young artists chosen from over 800 applicants to participate in this highly competitive program. In addition to performing in Chautauqua Opera's summer performances, Mr. Lunsford will collaborate with a distinguished coaching staff selected from the nation's finest universities and conservatories.

Mr. Lunsford understudied the role of Lieutenant Pinkerton in Puccini's Madama Butterfly when the summer festival season opened on July 5, 2014. This was the first time Mr. Lunsford studied the role of the U.S. Naval Lieutenant who fell in love with a local woman during his commission in Japan with disastrous consequences. Mr. Lunsford performed highlights from Madama Butterfly in Chautauqua Opera's Operalogues concert.

Douglas Moore's The Ballad of Baby Doe, an opera based on the tragic true story of Horace Tabor and Elizabeth "Baby Doe" Tabor will close the opera season on July 25 and July 28. Mr. Lunsford will portray President Chester Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, in addition to the role of Bushy.

In collaboration with Chautauqua Opera, Mr. Lunsford performed his signature aria Nessun Dorma with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in the annual Opera Highlights Concert. He will also be a featured artist with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in a Pops Concert on August 2, 2014, performing works by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein.



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