Get ready for a new performance of Two Nutcracker Suites! The Colorado State University’s Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Rachel Waddell, teams with the Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Wil Swindler, and CSU Dance to present two Nutcracker Suites: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s and Duke Ellington’s version. This extraordinaire musical event combines the CSU Dance Dept. with guest soprano soloist Tiffany Blake to give a new version of the popular Nutcracker theme.
CSU Soprano Tiffany Blake
Praised by Opera News Online for her “…truly virtuoso performance…immaculate tone, good support and breath to spare,” soprano, Dr. Tiffany Blake, received her D.M.A. in Vocal Performance with a minor in Opera Stage Direction from the Eastman School of Music, where she also earned her Master’s degree and was awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate. She currently serves as associate professor of voice and director of the Charles and Reta Ralph Opera Program at Colorado State University.
Dr. Blake’s operatic roles include Desdemona in Otello, Marguerite in Faust, the title role in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, and Mercedes in Carmen among others. Solo engagements have included appearances with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Missouri Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Fort Collins. Dr. Blake has a special interest in song literature, and has given several recitals in Scotland, France, Salzburg, and across the U.S., appearances with Chicago’s Arts at Large and the Odyssey Chamber Music concert series in Columbia, Missouri, and a vocal chamber music recital with Salzburg International Chamber Music Concerts.
Join us as we experience the famed holiday classical in a new way, paired with other works for studio orchestra featuring the confluence of jazz and the symphony orchestra. The performance will be held on November 21 at 7:30 pm at the Griffin Hall in the University Center for the Arts (UCA) at 1400 Remington Street in Fort Collins.
No charge for CSU students with $5 to $15 for adult visitors. Purchase tickets at the box office at UCA or call 970-491-2787.