LESSON PLAN

AUTHORS

Original Music and Libretto: Georg Philip Telemann

Additional Music, Libretto, and Singing Translation: Rachel J. Peters

Adapted from Telemann’s Der Schulmeister

SYNOPSIS

Lesson Plan brings an internationally celebrated operatic contralto into the world of online teaching while her headlining stage engagements are on hold. Thought to be teaching trained singers at a prestigious conservatory, she catches her assistant in a scheduling faux pas and instead takes the Zoom stage for a community college with the same acronym – a group with little singing experience or interest in what the great diva had in mind. Intercepted by an overwhelmed school administrator who moonlights as an amateur choir director, the pair clash over teaching technique, singing and the purpose of art.

INSTRUMENTATION

Piano/Vocal OR Bassoon, piano/harpsichord, 2 violins, bass; The Live Version was performed without orchestra, but upon request, I can provide new orchestral materials to match it.)

DURATION

45 minutes

CAST

ALICE TOMMASSO, Contralto

ROBINETTA PERKINS, Soprano. This role must be played by a Black perfomer.

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

  • Virtual World Premiere: On Site Opera, 2022

  • Live Version Premiere, Caramoor Festival, 2022

This work is available for performance worldwide.

IMAGES

World Premiere Production by On Site Opera | Directed by Eric Einhorn | Photos by Gabe Palacio and Ryan Scott Lathan

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