THE POWER OF LIVE PERFORMANCE Music director Daniel Meyer tells us why 2011-2012 might be the best season yet for the Asheville Symphony. PAGE 16 Asheville Bravo Concerts opens its 80th season with a performance by the National Acrobats of China, one of four distinct and dynamic performances. PAGE 22 Kristen Hedberg, Asheville Lyric Opera’s new Associate Artistic Director, shares a behind the scenes peek at Madama Butterfly. PAGE 3 PLUS: The Altamont Theatre page 19 Robb Helmkamp, contemporary furniture maker page 21 Chall Gray and Sandee Shaffer Johnson, Steven Samuels owner of the Bizarre Bazaar page 23 at the Magnetic Patti Best, landscape artist page 23 Heritage Weekend Field. PAGE 17 at the Folk Art Center page 24 Blake Sneed of Bogart’s page 37 13th Season Diana Wortham Theatre ashevillelyric.org Box Office: 828-257-4530 PG. 20 A September 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 1 PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS performance INTERVIEW WITH INTERVIEWED BY DENNIS RAY Kristen Hedberg uccini’s Madama Butterfly returns to Asheville, this time featuring Jennifer Davison, international soprano, in the title role. Jon Truitt, acclaimed director of last season’s The Magic PFlute, returns to direct this beautiful new production. This Italian opera is set in Nagasaki, Japan at the turn of the last century. The story centers on a young geisha whose life is changed forever by an American naval officer, exploring the sacrifices she makes Kristen Hedberg, Associate Artistic Director, for true love and the cruelty of the world Asheville Lyric Opera. around her. Asheville Lyric Opera’s new Associate the often “cut” sections of the opera. The Artistic Director, Kristen Hedberg, joins us orchestral interludes that were cut in the for a behind the scenes interview. last show will be played, which gives the director a much greater artistic challenge; Rapid River Magazine: Why did Asheville furthering character and emotional scope Lyric Opera decide to tackle Madama But- with the elements while no singing is heard. terfly again and how will it be different from This demands more from the singing the 2006 version? actors and allows the orchestra to play its Kristen Hedberg: Moving into season 13, own character; often, that of Father Time. we are looking for works that will challenge We are excited to see our orchestra, lead by us, pushing us to a higher artistic level by renowned concert master, Corine Brouwer demanding more collaboration amongst and conducted by Dr. Robert Hart Baker, designers, and earlier planning in casting take on this brave challenge proudly. and preparation to fully capture the integ- The chorus will also play the com- rity of the work. Madama Butterfly is the primario, or smaller roles. We have the catalyst that will throw us into a full season strongest group of theatrical choral singers of revived artistic flavor. Comparing our yet this season. Already under the tutelage of last production of Madama Butterfly to the new chorus master, Andrea Blough, they are upcoming one this season would be like stepping up their game as well. natural beauty comparing apples to oranges. I’ll stop there. RRM: How long does it take to put on an RRM: How will the design be different this ALO production, from first concept to time around? opening night? KH: A new set has been conceived by KH: David Starkey chose this work in late designers Julie K. Ross and Sylvia Pierce’s May, along with the other productions in Scenery Concepts, Inc. Julie, our scenic the season. Artistic planning and budget artist, was inspired by Japanese rice paper configurations began immediately. Casting paintings and our backdrop will be reminis- choices were based on previous auditions cent of one, with a turquoise wash, tree sil- from the prior year. houettes, and traditional signature stamping. I have been working on Madama But- Instead of using Diana Wortham’s tra- terfly consistently five days a week since ditional black floor, an overlay will be built that day, initiating planning meetings for out of muslin to extend symmetrical floor- concepts, reviewing ways to improve effi- ing from Butterfly’s house, and to enhance ciency, and empowering the insane amount the natural landscape of a less manicured of artistic genius we have in our design and sandy garden and bank. production team. It has been inspiring and The lighting design, by W. Erik Mc- exciting; like climbing uphill, but being in Daniel, will be integral to the success of this better shape this time around. look, as time depiction is crucial to telling Check out ashevillelyric.org for more the story and furthering the dramatic pro- information about the cast and the rest of gression. Hair and make-up designer, Tricia our cool new season, including a Mozart 18k sapphire and diamond Zinke, will create Asian looks for all but opera set in the 1920s, and one of the great- pendant by Alex Sepkus the three American characters of the cast, est musicals of all time. including the styling of 23 Japanese wigs; seven of which will be geisha. IF Madama Butterfly, October 7-8, RRM: How does music play into this later YOU www.jewelsthatdance.com GO at 8 p.m. Asheville Lyric Opera, 2 version of Madama Butterfly? South Pack Square, Asheville, NC. KH: As a company, we are coming into a Opera Office (828) 236-0670. Tickets on (AYWOOD3Ts!SHEVILLE .#s s(OURS-ON 3AT maturity that allows us to take on some of sale September 7. Phone (828) 257-4530. Vol. 15, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2011 PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Asheville Lyric Opera’s 13th Season he Asheville Lyric BY DAVID CRAIG STARKEY Opera’s 13th season for 2011-2012 will feature T five main stage events. children with professional art- ists from the Asheville area. Madama Butterfly October 7 & 8, 2011 – 8 p.m., Taste of Opera by Giacomo Puccini, featuring June 9, 2012 – Food at 6 p.m., Jennifer Davison, international Concert at 7:30 p.m. Reper- soprano. Jon Truitt directs this toire from opera, operetta and production set in turn of cen- musical theatre. The evening tury Japan. A breath-taking and includes fine wine and gour- moving experience for all. met food from 10 or more of Asheville’s finest restaurants. The Asheville Christmas Show Jennifer Davison, This one-of-a-kind event November 18, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. international soprano. continues to draw appeal and Seasonal solo and ensemble delight. music. Così Fan Tutte (All Women Are Like That) IF YOU For information on season February 17 & 18, 2012 – 8 p.m. Mozart GO subscriptions or dress rehearsal classic showcases an ensemble cast exploring tickets, auditions, or to request a the stereotypes in relationships within the season brochure, please contact ALO at delightful angst of finding true love. (828) 236-0670, or visit www.ashevillelyric. org. Single tickets are sold solely through The Sound of Music Diana Wortham Theatre box office at (828) April 20 & 21, 2012 - 8 p.m.; April 22 - 3 257-4530, beginning September 6. (www. p.m. This family favorite combines a cast of dwtheatre.com) Can We Walk? Walking Together for Health and Wellness Wellness Walk Know Your Numbers& Health Screening Saturday, September 24 ~ 8:00 AM Start & Finish at PSP Reuter Terrace, across from the fire station downtown. Sponsor a Walker for $10 For more information call ABIPA at 251-8364 or register online at www.abipa.org Leading With Excellence – Serving With Grace September 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 1 PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL Established in 1997 • Volume Fifteen, Number One DAY OF PEACE Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other allies present the International Day of SEPTEMBER 2011 3 Interviews Peace celebration in Pack Square, Wednesday, www.rapidrivermagazine.com Kristen Hedberg . September 1, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Charlie Flynn-McIver . 6 Our region joins with hundreds of other com- Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Daniel Meyer . 16 munities around the world as they observe a Managing Editor: Beth Gossett day of ceasefire from all conflicts locally and Marketing: Dennis Ray globally. The International Day of Peace has 4 Performance been observed since 1921 through the League of Julia Gaunt of SpiritWings releases doves at the Staff Photographer: Liza Becker Asheville Lyric Opera . Nations, and was later continued by the United conclusion of 2010’s International Day of Peace. Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer 18 Nations, which added the goal of the one day Asheville Symphony Orchestra . cease-fire in 2002. “We’re particularly proud to be dedicating our first hour to our younger gen- Poetry Editor: Ted Olson Altamont Theatre . 19 eration this year,” says event planner Rachael Bliss of Peacetown. “We’re inviting as many kids as Proofreader: Mary Wilson Bravo Concerts Season . possible to make Pinwheels for Peace.” Accounting: Sharon Cole The second hour will feature keynote speaker Mike Ferner, interim national director of Veterans Distribution: Dennis Ray for Peace. Elected leaders will read local proclamations, and Peacetown will introduce its Bring 8 Columns our War Dollars Home Resolution that it plans to take the Asheville City Council for adoption James Cassara - Music . 8 later this year. The event concludes with Spiritwings’ release of white doves and a “community CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Eddie LeShure - Jazz . 10 soapbox opportunity” so participants can share their own passions for peace in the region and in Rachael Bliss, James Cassara, Greg Vineyard - Fine Art .