South Bend Lyric Opera is looking to expand and change the way locals look at opera
SOUTH BEND — It's a type of theater many people may not associate with South Bend.
The South Bend Lyric Opera is looking to expand and change the way locals look at opera.
This has some homegrown talent as well.
Of the nine members of this opera, most of them are from the Michiana area but there is also a flair of international backgrounds.
For this weekend's performance of "Cosi Fan Tutte" this group is looking to change the perceptions of opera one scene at a time.
The performers are putting together the finishing touches just days away from their opening night.
For Emanuel Caraman, the sound of these voices is part of the vision he had when he first thought of bringing opera to South Bend.
After 12 years as a professional opera singer, Carman knows opera takes a lot of effort and money for performers and sets. The group first performed in June of 2016 and have sold out their first four shows.
"Cosi Fan Tutte," a Mozart piece, is being adapted into a comedy, poking fun at how people deal with relationships in the 1980s.
Unlike most operas that have a big stage, this set is designed to be small and unconventional.
South Bend is now the second city in Indiana with an opera group, giving fans an alternative to traveling to Indianapolis or Chicago.
Staying home for opera means getting to see local talent.
Nathan Kistler went to Notre Dame. He says he's excited for his first role with the group.
“Being able to perform here in South Bend is huge. This is a great career opportunity for people that want to go into opera,” said Kistler.
As the show goes on, Corcoran hopes South Bend Lyric Opera will bring a new wave of culture to the area.
“If you can make an opera company successful in South Bend Indiana, what can't you make successful in South Bend Indiana,” said Tim Corcoran.
Caraman says he enjoys performing at the Langlab but hopes to find other venues to perform in where they can add an orchestra in the next few years.
If anyone is interested in seeing "Cosi Fan Tutte,” you can find times and dates here.
