Apotheosis Opera to Make Debut with 'Tannhauser'

Presenting Apotheosis Opera, a new addition to New York's startup opera scene. Apotheosis Opera brings fresh energy to the opera world by mounting fully-staged, English language summer productions of large-scale works. Co-founded by Matthew Jaroszewicz - who studies with David Hayes in the Master of Music program in Orchestral Conducting at Mannes College of Music - Apotheosis marks its bold debut at New York's Theater of El Museo del Barrio on July 31, with a second performance on Aug. 2, with "Tannhäuser," in English.

"We're filling a niche in New York with this piece by Richard Wagner in English, so there are no barriers," said Jaroszewicz, who to date has raised $65,000 for this production.

"Our vision is to bring not only new faces to the stage and orchestra pit but also to the audience," Jaroszewicz added. "For those who are new to opera, "Tannhäuser" is a good first choice because it is accessible and melodic, but also big and grand."

Endorsed by the Wagner Society of New York, Apotheosis Opera's presentation of "Tannhäuser" marks the first time in 10 years that the opera has been performed in New York. "Tannhäuser" tells the story of a minstrel-knight from 13th-century Germany who, according to legend, spent a year in the court of Venus, the Classical goddess of love. He returns and competes in a singing contest, only to be banished for singing the praises of Venus and sent on a pilgrimage to Rome. There he must seek forgiveness from the Pope for his sin. The production comprises emerging artists and conservatory students.

Tickets are priced at an affordable $45, $25 and $15. "We really want people who have never been to the opera before to give it a try," Jaroszewicz said. "The production features young, energetic and talented people. It's great for the orchestra and great for the singers. For many of the singers, it's their first chance to sing a big role, and all but two will sing Wagner for the first time."

This is the second fully staged opera conducted and produced by Jaroszewicz. In 2010, while a student at Brown University, Jaroszewicz brought The Pilgrim's Progress by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a religious-themed opera to his church in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, having raised $11,000 for that production. It wasn't until 2014, prior to beginning his studies at Mannes, that Jaroszewicz decided to stage Wagner, along Apotheosis Opera cofounders Zach Blumenstein and Sam Bartlett.

For tickets and more information for Tannhäuser, including how to donate, visit tannhauser2015.org. The Theater of El Museo del Barrio is located at 1230 Fifth Avenue, at Fifth Avenue and 104 Street.

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