 | Dennis L. Ross, M.D. with the Kansas Nephrology Physicians, P.A., is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology. Dr. Ross is a Clinical Professor of Medicine and is actively involved in teaching at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. He has published articles on kidney disease and bone disease. In addition to his numerous professional, church and civic responsibilities, Dr. Ross is President of the Wichita Grand Opera. For further information about the Wichita Grand Opera you may call 316-683-3444, or E-mail WichitaGdOpera@aol.com. |
Entertainment
2002-12-01 09:46:00
Who’s all coming?
: It seems as though Wichita is becoming more of a hot spot for things like theatre and opera. This is wonderful as it is the thing we missed most from Chicago. What are some of the events planned for the future?
ANSWER: Although still in its infancy, the Wichita Grand Opera has brought to Kansans the greatest tenors of modern times, Luciano Pavoratti and Placido Domingo. Typically these great opera stars perform only in major cities and with limited schedules but they diverted time to come to Wichita Kansas, a fact that has surprised many in Kansas, as well as the opera world. So why did they choose Wichita? A large amount of the credit must go to the Grand Opera's general director, Parvan Bakardiev and to Margaret Ann Pent, the artistic director. In addition, however, Mr. Pavoratti wanted to bring opera to the common man. When asked, "Why Wichita?" Pavoratti responded, "Why not?" He felt that if he sang well, the ordinary person would hear opera and desire more. By comparison, a child who has never tasted chocolate doesn't realize that he likes chocolate. After the first bite he asks for more. Similarly one learns to enjoy the opera after being exposed to this historic art form as Mr. Pavoratti had predicted. Placido Domingo will open our season on December 7th at Century II Convention Hall at 6:00 P.M. performing several well-known opera arias and duets, as well as familiar Christmas musical pieces. Metropolitan Diva, Veronica Villarroel, will join him, under the baton of Maestro Kohn with the Wichita Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus. His performance will set the stage for two full-length operas coming to Wichita January 31st and February 1st, featuring the Russian State Opera in cooperation with the Wichita Grand Opera performing Puccini's "Tosca" and Verdi's "Il Trovatore. One hundred and ninety Russians and Americans with all of the sets and costumes for two full-length operas is again quite a feat for a fledgling opera company. And in June, we hope to mount a unique outdoor production of Bizet's "Carmen" on the lake at Bradley Fair, like no where else.
